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Hillel Lodge opens new wing

By Michael Regenstreif A large crowd of happy Lodge supporters, Jewish community leaders and dignitaries gathered, December 15, to celebrate the dedication and opening of the new Joseph and Inez Zelikovitz Pavilion, with 21 new beds, at the Bess and Moe Greenberg Family Hillel Lodge.

The opening of the Zelikovitz Pavilion, the Lodge’s new west wing, was a long time coming. Ingrid Levitz, president of the Hillel Lodge Long-Term Care Foundation, noted that she and others had been working toward this day since 2004.

The need for more long-term care beds has long been recognized.

It is estimated there is a shortage of at least 5,000 long-term care beds in

Eastern Ontario, a shortage Hillel Lodge anticipated when it designed the new facility on the Jewish Community Campus and relocated from Wurtemburg Street in 2000. The Lodge’s west wing was left unfinished in the expectation it would be used for more beds in the future.

Approval from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to add 21 long-term beds to the 100 beds already in operation was finally granted in October 2010 after more than three years of indications from politicians and bureaucrats that the approval was imminent.

“Hillel Lodge will be enhanced by the addition of the much-needed 21 beds,” said Levitz in her remarks.

(Continued on page 2)

Inez Zelikovitz cuts the ribbon opening the new Joseph and Inez Zelikovitz Pavilion of the Bess and Moe Greenberg Family Hillel Lodge. Holding the ribbon are Lodge Foundation President Ingrid Levitz (left) and Jeff Miller, chair of the fundraising campaign. Looking on in the front row are Leon Gluzman (Photo: Michael Regenstreif) and Lodge President Seymour Mender.

Podolsky named Federation’s chief development officer

By Francie Greenspoon Jewish Federation of Ottawa The Jewish Federation of Ottawa and Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation announced the appointment, December 18, of Rony Podolsky as chief development officer.

For the previous three months, Podolsky served as the interim director of the Federation’s Annual Campaign. Since coming on board, through his extensive work with lay leaders, volunteers, donors and staff, the Campaign held its most successful telethon to date, paving the way to success-

fully reaching the targeted goal of $4.5 million.

As the Federation’s chief development officer, Podolsky will be responsible for the ongoing management of the Federation’s Annual Campaign, which raises funds for more than 20 Jewish beneficiary agencies in Ottawa. He will also be in charge of the operation and development of the Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation, the planned giving arm of the Ottawa Jewish community, which currently manages more than $40 million in capital through the administration of its 800 endowment funds.

“I am very excited to embark on this opportunity as it presents me with numerous professional and personal challenges,” said Podolsky.

“I plan to harness my managerial experience to benefit the community by strengthening the relationship with community members who are already involved and help bring more people into the circle of giving. Succeeding in that mission will help establish and strengthen the sense of commitment and belonging.”

Podolsky brings a wealth of knowledge to the position, with ex-

tensive experience in managing client relations and new business opportunities, as well as more than 22 years in international IT management.

Podolsky spent eight years as senior director of Business Development for CGI Canada, the fourth largest independent IT consulting firm in North America. He was responsible for the development and execution of strategic business and marketing and proposed creative solutions to a wide variety of business challenges. He actively sought opportunities for business (Continued on page 2 )

Rony Podolsky (Photo: Francie Greenspoon)

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Page 2 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – January 23, 2012

Hillel Lodge’s 21 new beds are ‘much needed’ (Continued from page 1)

Levitz paid tribute to Lodge benefactor Inez Zelikovitz, who was in attendance, citing her “exemplary support and generosity.”

“There was no shortage of friends” who rallied behind the Lodge’s expansion project, said Lodge President Seymour Mender.

Among those Mender publicly thanked was Mayor Jim Watson, who attended the event along with several city councillors.

Watson, he said, was a “constant advocate” for Hillel Lodge, recently as mayor, and previously during his time as an MPP and provincial cabinet minister.

Mender also paid tribute to MPPs Yasir Naqvi (Ottawa Centre), who was also in attendance, and Bob Chiarelli (Ottawa WestNepean), as well as John Fraser, Premier Dalton McGuinty’s executive assistant, for their efforts in advocating on behalf of the Lodge and its expansion project.

Mender also credited Jeff Polowin for his “advice on how to get things done,” and thanked the Jewish Federation of Ottawa for its ongoing support.

Mender finished his remarks by calling attention to Jeff Miller, a past Lodge president who “led by example” and “singlehandedly raised the funds” needed for the expansion

project. Miller’s efforts, he said, were “Herculean.”

Miller discussed the $5.2 million capital campaign needed to finance the expansion project.

“We’ve raised $4.5 million to date, 85 per cent of our goal,” he said, “and we won’t stop until we get it.”

Miller said there have been 44 gifts of more than $25,000 to the campaign.

The final speaker was Hillel Lodge Executive Director Stephen Schneiderman.

Schneiderman credited the provincial bureaucracy and, particularly, the Hillel Lodge staff for their ongoing efforts to ensure the new wing became a reality.

In particular, Schneiderman called attention to Elizabeth Richard, the Lodge’s director of Environmental Services and co-ordinator of Quality Management, who supervised the expansion project. A special hard hat was presented to Richard as a souvenir of the project.

Following the brief speeches, there was a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the ground-floor entranceway to the new Zelikovitz Pavilion.

Rabbi Levy Teitlebaum, the Hillel Lodge chaplain, recited a blessing and the ribbon was cut by Inez Zelikovitz. Guests at the

Activities and leisure lounge in the new wing at Hillel Lodge.

event were then allowed to tour the newly completed facilities, including residents’ rooms, an activities lounge and dining hall.

A few days later, on December 19, the first

of the 21 new residents began living in the new Joseph and Inez Zelikovitz Pavilion of the Bess and Moe Greenberg Family Hillel Lodge.

Expansion project supervisor Elizabeth Richard is presented with a special hard hat marking the completion of Hillel Lodge’s new wing. (From left) Hillel Lodge Executive Director Stephen Schneiderman, Lodge President Seymour Mender, Richard, and (Photos: Michael Regenstreif) Lodge Foundation President Ingrid Levitz.

(Front, from left) Jeff Polowin, Ingrid Levitz and Inez Zelikovitz visit one of the rooms ready to receive residents in the newly completed wing at Hillel Lodge.

‘Deep commitment to Jewish communal life and Israel’ (Continued from page 1)

growth and maintained ongoing relationships with CGI’s top-tiered clients, including Bell Canada, Telus, Canada Post and numerous banking and insurance institutions.

Prior to his position with CGI, Podolsky worked for Amdocs, initially in Israel as the senior project and system development manager, and then in Ottawa as the IT director and

site manager. He was instrumental in establishing the company’s presence in Eastern Canada through a joint venture with Bell Canada.

“We are delighted to have recruited someone with Rony’s experience and leadership skills to serve in the senior fundraising role of the Jewish community of Ottawa,” said Mitchell Bellman, president and CEO of the

Jewish Federation of Ottawa. “Rony has a deep commitment to Jewish communal life and Israel, and he will be a great asset to the Jewish Federation and the Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation.”

Richard Roth, chair of the Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation commented, “The Foundation is excited to enter a new period of growth with Rony Podolsky in this important leadership role. We are confi-

dent Rony will work effectively with our community members to help them reach their philanthropic goals and secure the future of our Jewish community.”

Podolsky was born and raised in Israel and served three years as an airborne paratrooper in the Israeli army. He moved to Ottawa 11 years ago with his wife Dekel.

They have four boys aged 15, 12 and fouryear-old twins.

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Our thanks to all the family and friends who were so helpful and supportive at the time of the recent passing of our dear mother and grandmother Fay Shulman. Your kind words provided real support at our time of need, and we are truly grateful for all your generous donations. Thank you. Nadine Mordfield, Barry Shulman, Stephen Shulman & family

January 23, 2012 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – Page 3

Page 4 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – January 23, 2012

Guest column

L’dor v’dor is a sacred communal trust

By Ian Sherman President Congregation Beth Shalom On November 6, members of Congregation Beth Shalom voted overwhelmingly to sell our Chapel Street property to Claridge Homes.

But the November 6 special general meeting was actually not a discussion about bricks and mortar. It was a discussion about sacred communal trust, financial reality and, most importantly, a pragmatic opportunity to secure the future of our shul.

It was a discussion concerning l’dor v’dor (from generation to generation) and

a dialogue about our fiduciary obligation to continue to honour our ancestors. It was a conversation about this great Beth Shalom community and how we will continue to weave our presence as a pillar of the Ottawa Jewish community.

November 6 was a discussion about what we evaluated to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The meeting was not about divisiveness of a shul community. Rather, it was an evening of information, an explanation of our rationale, and the start to creating a sense of pride in a future di-

rection. Most importantly, November 6 was about shalom bayit.

Are we there yet?

Not at all. However, we have a sufficient amount of reliable information, the beginnings of a strategic communal direction, engagement of our members at a level that we have not seen in decades, and, dare I even say, leadership and a healthy degree of respect from within the community. Perhaps, most importantly, we have the financial where-with-all – supported by our strong real estate position and the value of our Chapel Street property –

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which will allow us to move forward on our own terms to reposition Congregation Beth Shalom as a dominant synagogue in Ottawa’s Jewish community.

Regardless of the strength of the majority of members who voted in favour of this course of action, there are a number of members who disagree with the approach. I wholeheartedly appreciate their point of view and never anticipated 100 per cent endorsement for our chosen course of action. I will continue to listen to all of our members as we progress in our planning. In the fullness of time, as we continue along this journey and dream together of what we can accomplish in our relocation, I truly hope that every Congregation Beth Shalom member will be engaged and support our direction.

I have been a member of Congregation Beth Shalom all my life. I had my bar mitzvah in our shul, as did my three precious boys, Jonathan, Matthew and Adam. The decision our Board of Governors and members have affirmed is as emotional for me as it is for anyone. However, after more than 15 years of engagement and reflection on the matters I have laid before our members, I stand behind our work with deep pride and great

confidence because I know this is the right decision to fulfil our fiduciary obligations as trustees and guardians of Congregation Beth Shalom.

I also have every confidence – even with some of the current unknowns – this direction will secure our future as we continue our revival and it will rekindle our dominant position in this community.

I also acknowledge that no solution will ever be perfect and that some members might be left with decisions to take, perhaps as sensitive as to where they live. However, we owe it to ourselves, and we owe it to our ancestors, to act prudently and responsibly in the face of what is potentially a one-time opportunity.

Since our November 6 meeting, an agreement of purchase and sale with Claridge Homes has been signed.

The lawyers and accountants have paid close attention to every detail set out in the terms and conditions of the agreement, including the eventual closing date and how this transitions toward a new site. A 120-day conditional period has commenced, during which time we will hopefully be in a position to secure arrangements for our relocation. There are, and will continue to be, sev-

eral dimensions to our deliberations as we seek out opportunities to secure a new site. There are pros and cons to each concept and different dimensions associated with each possibility.

We will take a fiscally prudent direction and we will keep our members informed and involved. This is a decision we can all work together on for it is the future of our shul.

The direction we have established is about financial survival. It’s about protecting an asset worth between $16 and $20 million. It’s about agreeing to set forward a better vision to secure our future. It’s about carrying out our legal and moral responsibilities to our existing shul community, as well as to our beloved who are no longer with us.

As I have stated repeatedly, this decision is, first and foremost, about sacred communal trust. I am confident we will continue to honour and stay devoted to the holiness of Congregation Beth Shalom.

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January 23, 2012 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – Page 5

From Bloc Québécois MP to Jewish activist

By Maxine Miska Soloway JCC Richard Marceau, an 11th generation Quebecer educated by Catholic priests and a former Bloc Québécois MP, is now general counsel and senior government adviser for the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs in Ottawa.

Marceau will discuss his journey from Quebec sovereignist to Jew to Israel advocate at the Soloway Jewish Community Centre on Sunday, February 5, 1:00 pm, when he launches the English-language version of his book A Quebec Jew, From Bloc Québécois MP to Jewish A ctivist (Juif, une histoire québécoise).

Marceau’s dedication to the forging of heritage and politics began with his admiration of René Lévesque and subsequent membership in the Bloc Québécois.

His tenure in Parliament coincided with his growing attachment and involvement with the Jewish com-

munity. As an MP, he was instrumental in the passing of Bill C-24, which established Canada’s National Holocaust Memorial Day in 2003.

While Marceau’s marriage to a Jew introduced him to Judaism, it was through trips to Israel that he understood the parallel struggles of Jews and Quebecers to create a place where their precious heritages are nurtured and thrive.

On his first visit to Israel, he discovered a state with the modern progressive values and economic prowess, which he saw as a partner for Quebec. His fellow Bloc members, however, were reflexively proPalestinian and not open to his point of view.

His second trip to Israel was during the Intifada and Marceau learned about the resilience of Israelis and their determination to maintain civil society in the face of terror.

Then, on his third trip, Marceau encountered the spirituality of Israel. He was no longer visiting a foreign country. He felt at home, and he felt Jewish.

At a Havdallah service, he was returned to a spiritual yearning that he thought had long ago been extinguished.

“I cannot fully explain why I, a Quebec native, born and raised as a practising Catholic, later became agnostic, even cynical, went back to God, not as a Christian, but as a Jew.” Ten years after his marriage he converted to Judaism.

Marceau’s exploration of Jewish life expanded in his own province.

In the book, Marceau cites René Lévesque speaking of the arrival of the first Jews in Trois-Rivières in the 18th century.

Marceau recounts the involvement of the Jewish community in the construction of Quebec and in the movement of the Patriots.

He highlights Jewish contributions to Quebec history and society, touching on Jewish union organizers, engineers, businessmen and judges.

Born in Quebec in 1970, Marceau became a political activist as an adolescent and founded a Bloc Québécois club at the University of Western Ontario.

Richard Marceau (right) presents a copy of the French-language edition of his book to Israeli President Shimon Peres

A lawyer with degrees in both civil and common law, he completed his education at France’s École nationale d’administration.

On his return to Quebec, Marceau won election to Parliament at the age of 26 and sat in the House of Commons from 1997 to 2006 where he was the Bloc Québécois justice critic. He now works for the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs.

A Quebec Jew, From Bloc Québécois MP to Jewish A ctivist will be available for sale at the book launch.

For information, contact Roslyn Wollock at 613798-9818, ext. 254 or rwollock@jccotttawa.com.

What’s happening at

Congregation Beth Shalom Every Sunday

Rabbi’s Lecture Series

9:30-10:30 am

Rashi on the Torah

First Sunday each Month Rabbi’s Lecture Series 10:30-11:30 am

Critical Thinkers of the Conservative Movement

Friday, February 10

Shabbat Dinner

6:00 pm

Special Speaker- Pierre Poilievre, MP

Sunday, February 26 Wednesday, March 7

Youth Program - Snow Tubing Purim Megillah Reading & Children's Purim Carnival Shabbat Dinner

Watch for more upcoming events

Friday, March 9 6:00 pm

Everyone is Welcome!

Watch for more upcoming events Everyone is Welcome!

For more information, please contact the synagogue at 613-789-3501 or info@bethshalom.ca www.bethshalom.ca

Page 6 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – January 23, 2012

How to feel really good in two hours or less When I began chairing Mitzvah Day in 2008 the event had already managed to unite 400-plus members of the Jewish community under one roof to do good deeds. It was difficult for some to imagine how it could possibly grow. And, yet, Mitzvah Day has continued to grow, both in the number of participants and in the number of agencies who have benefited from the mitzvot.

Anyone who has had the opportunity to attend Mitzvah Day and witness firsthand the Soloway Jewish Community Centre abuzz with excited children and adults, and rooms packed with volunteers, might wonder how we could possibly fit more volunteers through the door. While some might see this as a limitation, I saw it as a challenge and an opportunity to grow Mitzvah Day into something bigger and broader.

An unexpected one-year hiatus offered us the opportunity to move Mitzvah Day to February, the same month that has both Family Day and United Way’s Kindness Week. For years, our committee had contemplated this move, which seemed quite

Federation Report Stacey Segal Mitzvah Day apropos given that the idea behind Mitzvah Day is very much in tune with that of Kindness Week: purposeful acts of kindness for others. And so, this year, we have made several exciting changes to Mitzvah Day, not the least of which is the change of date.

For the first time ever, Mitzvah Day will be an all-day event with mitzvot in the afternoon being held at a variety of locations for some of our more mature community members, including making lunch at the Ottawa Mission and the Salvation Army. The hope is that expanding the day will allow us to engage more adults and young adults in performing mitzvot, resulting in our ability to help even more members of the Ottawa community.

The second major change is that we are

taking the lead from Kindness Week and offering several opportunities to give back between Mitzvah Day (February 12) and the official launch of Kindness Week (February 17), including sorting prescription eye glasses that will be donated to Guyana, a community blood drive, and the opportunity to participate in an almost-free Basic First Aid and CPR course.

Already, these are some pretty significant changes. But, when I became the event chair in 2008, I had big changes in mind.

After successfully assisting other Jewish communities across Canada develop their own Mitzvah Days, the Jewish Federation of Ottawa is now hoping to engage a number of communities right here in Ottawa. This year, for what I hope will be the first of many years, we have reached out to a number of religious and cultural communities, asking them to join our efforts in completing one particular mitzvah – this year, the Milk Bag Project.

Each community has been encouraged to choose a day during Kindness Week to bring their particular community together

and experience their own “day of good deeds.” I have no doubt that when they get a taste of that feeling the Jewish community has become accustomed to since Mitzvah Day began in 2005, they, too, will become addicted and embrace their own unique Kind Ottawa events in the years to come.

From my perspective, it’s a pretty easy sell.

For many families, Mitzvah Day presents a unique opportunity to expose their young children to volunteerism for the very first time.

For others, it is an opportunity to spend time together in a social atmosphere, exuding what Mitzvah Day and Kindness Week are all about: chesed and rahamim (loving kindness and compassion).

For every one of us, it is an opportunity to feel a part of something really special – no matter your age, gender, or beliefs – to know that you were responsible for helping another human being.

Feeling good by doing good – who wouldn’t want a day, let alone a week, of that?

Our holidays can be understood on a variety of levels The month of Shevat begins this week, which means that Tu B’Shevat is soon upon us. How do we celebrate Tu B’Shevat, the New Year for Trees?

All of our holidays, by design, can be understood and appreciated at a variety of levels. In thinking about our major festival celebrations there is an agricultural, a theological and a historic reason for their observance.

At Sukkot, we celebrate the fall harvest, the transient nature of life and the realities of the journey our ancestors endured as they travelled through the wilderness to the Promised Land.

Passover celebrates the early spring harvest, the concept of freedom and the Exodus from Egypt.

Shavuot marks the barley harvest, revelation and the nature of Torah and our people’s experience at Sinai.

Minor festivals, too, have multi-part embedded meaning. Chanukah, which we just celebrated, marks the military victory of the Hasmoneans over the Assyrian Greeks and the establishment of Jewish sovereignty over the Land of Israel. It also marks the reinstitution of ritual and agricultural purity laws for the people during the time of the Maccabees and, theologically, the idea of spiritual empowerment.

As we approach the celebration of Tu B’Shevat, how can we see Tu B’Shevat as more than just an agricultural holiday in Israel?

The origin of Tu B’Shevat is in the Mishna where we learn that the 15th of Shevat is the New Year for Trees, in par-

From the pulpit Rabbi Scott Rosenberg Beth Shalom ticular, fruit-bearing trees. This was the date from which various tithing obligations were determined. Tu B’Shevat marked the beginning of the spring growing season since the bulk of the seasonal rains had already fallen and vegetation was refreshed and ready to bloom.

Over time, the idea of celebrating Tu B’Shevat with a seder meal designed to ritualize and highlight the rich variety of produce grown in Israel became popular.

The day also became a time for planting trees. All of these observances, however, focused on the Land of Israel and her agricultural cycle.

In time, the theological question of human responsibility toward the land and the environment became part of the Tu B’Shevat observance. When we think about the produce of the land, we have to consider our relationship to the land and our responsibility for its preservation and maintenance. This question was first posed to us in man’s first agricultural endeavor, the Garden of Eden, and has been a source of study and discussion ever since.

Building a historical connection to Tu B’Shevat is much harder. Not until 1949 was there a serious effort to connect Tu

B’Shevat with a historically important event in our people’s history.

On Tu B’Shevat 5709 (February 14, 1949), the Constituent Assembly, which was modern Israel’s first elected government, passed the Transition Law and established the First Knesset. Ever since, Tu B’Shevat has been the official birthday of Israel’s parliament.

For the Jewish world, the timing of this event has great metaphoric meaning. Israel as a political entity is a sapling needing nurture and support. As it grows and matures, it will bear fruit. During its early years, her fruit will not be used, but, as time passes, her fruit will provide for her

people. So it was planned and so it is. The idea of connecting the history of modern Israel with Tu B’Shevat is a powerful one.

For me it adds additional depth to this minor festival that for many is to be observed at best symbolically.

Wearing the hat of a modern Diaspora Jew who is also a Zionist, the theological and now historical themes of Tu B’Shevat add great vitality to my previous symbolic observance.

I know that many find meaning in the ecological aspects of this holiday. I hope that all of us can find meaning in its relatively new found historical significance as well.

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January 23, 2012 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – Page 7

Jewish LGBT community marks several milestones There is a letter in this issue’s Mailbag (page 8) from Rabbi Mordechai Bulua of Montreal objecting to Rabbi Steven Greenberg’s being referred to as an Orthodox rabbi, despite, as he notes, Rabbi Greenberg’s Orthodox ordination.

Rabbi Greenberg, who was featured in several Bulletin articles and columns recently because he spent several days in Ottawa as scholar-in-residence at Agudath Israel Congregation, a Conservative synagogue, made headlines throughout the Jewish world – including the JTA story we carried and to which Rabbi Bulua was responding – in November when he officiated at what was described in the article as a “same-sex wedding,” but which Rabbi Greenberg called a “same-sex commitment ceremony” in an article he wrote for the Jewish Daily Forward in New York (A Place for Gays in Orthodoxy, January 13).

Whether it was a “wedding” or a “commitment ceremony” may be a matter of semantics, but the JTA report, echoed in other news stories, said, “It is believed to be the first time that an ordained Orthodox rabbi has officiated at a same-sex marriage in North America.”

It should probably be noted, in case there was any doubt, that the same-sex ceremony in question did not take place in an Orthodox synagogue. The Sixth & I

Editor Michael Regenstreif Historic Synagogue in Washington, D.C. describes itself as “non-denominational, non-membership, non-traditional.”

In response to the news that Rabbi Greenberg had performed the ceremony, a group of 100 Orthodox rabbis released an unequivocal statement rejecting the possibility of an Orthodox-sanctioned gay marriage.

“By definition, a union that is not sanctioned by Torah law is not an Orthodox wedding, and by definition a person who conducts such a ceremony is not an Orthodox rabbi,” the rabbis wrote.

Their opinion is reflected in Rabbi Bulula’s letter to the Bulletin.

The rabbis also emphatically state, “The public should not be misled into thinking that Orthodox Jewish views on this issue can change, are changing, or might someday change. The Rabbinical Council of America recently declared that ‘the Torah, which forbids homosexual activity, sanctions only the union of a man

and a woman in matrimony.’ This is the only statement on this matter that can reflect Orthodox Judaism. Any claims or statements to the contrary are inaccurate and false.”

In his Forward article, written in response to the rabbis’ statement, Rabbi Greenberg argues for “a generous sense of the possible” in the interpretation and application of Halacha on the matters under discussion. And, acknowledging that he doesn’t “expect any other Orthodox rabbi to conduct a commitment ceremony,” he also argues for the acceptance of gays in Orthodox life.

While Rabbi Greenberg would seem to be a quixotic figure on the periphery of the Orthodox world, the Jewish LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered) community is becoming increasingly mainstreamed and continues to mark milestones in other denominations and in the big tent of the Jewish world-at-large.

This month, Shaarey Zedek Synagogue in Winnipeg became the first Conservative shul in Canada to host a same-sex marriage – with the synagogue’s associate rabbi officiating.

And Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom, the large Reform congregation in Montreal, has announced that, beginning July 1, its new senior rabbi will be Ottawaborn Rabbi Lisa J. Grushcow, who will

move to Montreal from New York with her partner, Rabbi Andrea Myers, and their two daughters.

Meanwhile, the Gaycities.com website – sponsored by American Airlines – recently announced the results of its annual Best Gay City poll for 2011. The overwhelming winner was Tel Aviv with 43 per cent of the vote. New York City placed second with 14 per cent and Toronto was third at 7 per cent.

The Bulletin at 75 The Ottawa Jewish Bulletin was first published on October 22, 1937. So, this year, we are marking 75 years of service to Ottawa’s Jewish community. We’re planning to publish a special commemorative supplement marking the milestone with our community-wide Chanukah edition on November 26.

As well, we are going to publish something from our past in each 2012 issue, beginning in this issue with a page from the very first Bulletin, which includes a column by William Margolis, then Ottawa’s community rabbi.

Although his tenure as Ottawa’s community rabbi was relatively brief, from 1937 to 1940, there is a rather fascinating story to Margolis’ life, which I’m researching and hope to write about in an upcoming issue.

‘When Canada was Christian and Jews were the immigrants’ As a Canadian Jew, Christmastime has always evoked mixed emotions. On one hand, it’s hard to resist the sound of Bing Crosby, the smell of eggnog and the burst of cheerfulness in the air. On the other hand, I’ve always felt like an outsider watching others celebrate a holiday that isn’t my own.

Recently, this dichotomy has turned into an interesting debate as some groups demand a more benign, all-inclusive approach to the holidays. Opposing this movement are traditionalists who feel Canada was founded on Christian culture and values, and believe minority groups should accept this as an integral part of the country that accepted them.

Listening to the radio before the holidays, I heard that certain school boards in Ottawa were asking teachers and students to say “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas.” If I were Christian, I thought, I’d be as mad as Lowell Green.

A couple of days later, when I read that a Montreal suburb ordered an end to a long tradition of a nativity scene and a lit Chanukah menorah in front of the town hall, it was a green light to get upset. But, for some reason, any potential upset settled into a nostalgic look at the Canada I grew up in: a very Christian Canada where Jews kept their mouths shut.

Jason Moscovitz When my grandparents arrived in Montreal as children at the turn of the last century they went to French Catholic schools. As a child, it was a mystery to me why my grandparents spoke perfect French while my parents couldn’t speak a word. The answer was about numbers. As more and more Jews arrived in Quebec, the Catholics, who had all the power, felt too many Jews in any one classroom was not a good thing, so Jews were hustled off to English Protestant schools instead.

I went to one of those Protestant schools. Most of the teachers were Anglican, most were from England, and they came to teach the unwashed about reading and writing, and, for good measure, about Christianity. The fact that 90-plus per cent of my class was Jewish didn’t stop the morning Bible classes. It didn’t stop us singing “Jesus Loves Me,” “Onward Christian Soldiers” and “Swing Low Sweet Chariot.”

Back then, our mothers and fathers accepted that we had Bible classes and sang Christian hymns. Jewish parents who had a problem with that sent their children to private Jewish schools. But, in my neighbourhood in the ‘50s, few opted for private school.

My parents, and those of most of my friends, cousins and neighbours, accepted the Bible classes that came with free education because, in their day, they studied the Christian Bible too. Most of our parents just thought that was the way things were done in Canada.

In high school, there was an assembly for some special occasion when more than 1,000 of us began making fun as we sang “Onward Christian Soldiers.” J.F. Stewart, the principal, hit the roof and yelled at us for our lack of respect. But, we Jews at that Protestant high school had strength in numbers and kept on joking. We joked so much we never had to sing a Christian hymn at assembly again.

Then there was Grade 10 biology class.

We were 44 miserably behaved boys. Our teacher, Miss Martin, was a classic British spinster with a long dress, her hair in a bun, in a Protestant school trying to figure out where all these Jews came from.

One day, we were making her crazier than usual with our bad behaviour. As

hard as she tried, she couldn’t get control of the class. She banged her book, her ruler, she screamed, “Quiet, quiet!”

Then, suddenly, in total exasperation, she said, loud enough for everyone to hear, “Sometimes I wonder if what Hitler did in Germany was so wrong.”

It was 1966, only 21 years after the end of the War. Children of Holocaust survivors were in the class. It was late-November. The holiday season came – I won’t say Christmas – and when we came back in January, Miss Martin was gone.

Principal Stewart told our class it had nothing to do with what she said. Of course it didn’t.

If you think the Canadian Jewish Congress launched a multi-million dollar lawsuit, or if you think Miss Martin was instantly fired, as she would be today in a flash, you are wrong.

There was no lawsuit, no official protest and no firing. The next year, I went to another high school in a nonJewish area and, lo and behold, my homeroom teacher was the same Miss Martin.

So, when I hear today about all the sensitivities about our multicultural and multi-religious Canada, I’m reminded that nobody cared too much when Canada was Christian and Jews were the immigrants.

Page 8 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – January 23, 2012

Mailbag To question or not to question, that is my question I was very surprised and taken aback by many members of our community, December 11, at Agudath Israel Congregation.

A special meeting was called by concerned congregants who questioned the Board of Directors’ process in choosing not to re-enter into contract negotiations with both clergy. A petition was drafted and signed by more than 100 congregants who took issue with the way the Board chose to handle this important decision.

Regardless of the ins and outs of both sides of this major debate, what I am deeply upset about are the statements from some members of our congregation who said they were appalled and ashamed to be part of a congregation that would dare to question a board and its decisions.

I am baffled and confused by this notion.

Do we want to live in a community where we blindly follow all decisions made by our leaders? Do we live by the premise that boards cannot make mistakes? Why is asking questions and challenging a board’s decision so threatening and deemed disrespectful?

At the Ottawa Jewish Community School, where I send my children, they teach the students to be critical thinkers, to ask questions and challenge ideas they don’t feel comfortable with. It is an integral part of Jewish learning. It’s one of the main

reasons we choose to send them to a Jewish day school. It saddens me to the core that those same values aren’t inherent in our synagogue community.

I sit on two boards in our community and I welcome, value and expect questions and input from the members of those organizations. I guess, in answer to my own question, I will continue to question.

This remains my question: Did the Board have a true understanding of how the congregants felt about their rabbi and cantor?

Congregants have an emotional, spiritual and personal connection with their rabbi and have a right to be part of a decision that impacts the spiritual leadership of their shul.

In many organizations, boards feel they have the right to make unilateral decisions with regard to the hiring and termination of staff. However, a rabbi is more than just a staff member. He is the spiritual leader of our congregation and should be treated with the utmost respect.

It was clear by the number of people who were shocked, upset and disappointed with the way the Board chose to handle this situation that the Board was clearly unaware of the meaningful, deep connections many congregants have with our rabbi. We have a right and an obligation to make those views known without being viewed as disrespectful.

Although nothing productive came of

NCSY Jewish tour of Ottawa

bulletin@ottawajewishbulletin.com the special meeting, I am proud to be part of a strong, vocal and moral group of people who disagree with, and question, a major Board decision that affects families we care deeply about.

I challenge you to continue to ask questions and stand up for what you believe is right.

Sharon Reichstein Winds of change The winds of change that are upon us are the opportunity for a community vision that encompasses the sharing of life cycle events, not only for education, our elderly and our members with special needs, but unified with the sharing of the spiritual: a community shul on campus.

Financial necessity will present the opportunity to leave tribal thinking, politics and egos in the past and move forward in a positive environment that allows our community the ability to share in prayer in a new state-of-the-art community shul, which is accessible for the handicapped and equipped with devices for the hearing-impaired and for medical emergencies.

The sharing of common infrastructure would allow our community to experience the affiliation level they are most comfortable with while allowing our children the ability to socialize with others.

The history of the participating partners would be evident by the Yahrzeit boards, plaques and other dedication memories reinstalled in the new facility because we cannot forget where we came from.

This new structure would use a business model that takes peak High Holiday attendance and regular weekly attendance into account while allowing for a daily minyan to continue so that saying Kaddish remains viable.

The new rental halls would be equipped properly to handle several ongoing events and, of course, kashrut would be observed.

This opportunity is now. Our Ottawa Jewish community needs to come together and build a new community shul that accepts all streams of Judaism and allows its membership revenue to be sensitive to young families, seniors on limited incomes, students and those with financial hardships.

David Kardish Gay rabbi A JTA news story in the November 28 issue of the Ottawa Jewish Bulletin mentioned that “an Orthodox rabbi, Steven

Rabbi Levy Teitlebaum, head of the Ottawa Vaad HaKashrut, speaks to a group of Jewish teenagers in the kosher section of the Loblaws store at College Square, November 27, during NCSY’s Jewish Tour of Ottawa.

After Rabbi Teitlebaum explained why some food is kosher and some is not, the students played a game, Race for the Food, and brought the food to the Kosher Food Bank to be sorted followed by an overview of the operation.

The program concluded at Jewish Family Services (JFS), where they learned about various JFS programs, particularly the Jewish-Somali Mentorship Program.

Greenberg, officiated at a same-sex wedding.” The article went on to say that Greenberg is gay.

However, his own alma mater, Yeshiva University, rejects him!

After his coming out, Rabbi Moshe Tendler, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva University, stated, “Being an Orthodox rabbi and actively gay is an oxymoron … [It is] the exact same as if he said, ‘I’m an Orthodox rabbi and I eat ham sandwiches on Yom Kippur!’”

In a 2002 article, Judaism and the Modern Attitude to Homosexuality, Rabbi Norman Lamm, chancellor and former president of Yeshiva University, wrote, “Under no circumstances can Judaism suffer homosexuality to become respectable.”

In 2010, TorahWeb.org published a brief position statement of four roshei yeshiva of Yeshiva University: Rabbis Hershel Schachter, Mordechai Willig, Michael Rosensweig and Mayer Twersky. Titled Torah View on Homosexuality, they wrote that “appropriate sympathy for discreet Torah observant Jews who experience but do not act upon same sex attraction is clearly distinguished from brazen public identification of their yetzer hara (temptation) for forbidden behavior.”

Nothing could be more brazen than to officiate at a public same-sex marriage ceremony. Steven Greenberg might have had an Orthodox ordination, but he can no longer be considered part of the Orthodox community and should not be honoured with the title “Orthodox rabbi.” Unlike disbarment in the legal profession and revocation in the medical field, there is, unfortunately, no similar process in the rabbinate. Its time has come.

Rabbi Mordechai Bulua Montreal Schonfeld Kinder As one who was brought out of Austria on the first kindertransport by Rabbi Solomon Schonfeld, I would like to appeal to your readers who were also brought out by him.

In February, we will mark the 100th anniversary of his birth and I hope to arrange a memorial tribute in Jerusalem on February 27. I would ask any of those kinder or their children who would like to attend to contact me at fischerjlm@hotmail.com or write to me at P.O. Box 18279, Jerusalem 91182.

Emanuel Fischer

Letters welcome Letters to the Editor are welcome if they are brief, signed, timely and of interest to our readership.

The Bulletin reserves the right to refuse, edit or condense letters.

The Mailbag column will be published as space permits.

Send your letters to Michael Regenstreif, Ottawa Jewish Bulletin, 21 Nadolny Sachs Private, Ottawa, Ontario K2A 1R9; or by e-mail to bulletin@ottawajewishbulletin.com.

January 23, 2012 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – Page 9

Jennifer Waiser enjoys successful return home as the Artful Dodger

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Oliver Javanpour president

Many wonderful new JNF projects to enjoy on a visit to Israel “There could be a no more perfect time of year for inaugurating new bicycle paths in Ben Shemen Forest, an area famous in the past for its superior olive oil, than the Chanukah holiday.”

KKL-JNF World Chairman Efi Stenzler made that statement, December 26, at the dedication ceremony of new bicycle trails on a pristine winter day.

I read the quote on the JNF web site on an equally pristine winter day, the only difference being the definition of pristine and the likelihood of riding my bicycle anywhere in Ottawa at this time of year. The bicycle trail inauguration concluded with the lighting of the menorah and the bike riders carrying on down the trail in 20-degree sunny weather. We lit a menorah at our house and the reflection of its flames against the snowy backdrop of our window was also moving.

You must be wondering if I have a point here or if I am just jealous.

My point is that if you are visiting Israel, there are many wonderful new JNF projects you can enjoy on your visit. Cyclists can enjoy the Ben Shemen Forest Trail, which begins with the 10-km Herzl trail and then connects with the Anava trail, creating one of the longest continuous bike paths in Israel. Last year saw the completion of the Tel Aviv-Jerusalem bike path, about 125 km long, passing through such scenery as a flowing river, KKL-JNF forests, natural fields and groves. There is also a Canadian connection to this bike trail – it was donated by Torontonians Joe and Wolf Lebovic. Check out the Cycling Routes section of the KKL-JNF web site (kkl.org.il/kkl/kklMain_Eng.aspx) if you are a cyclist and are planning a trip to Israel.

Non-cyclists may wish to participate in the Forester for a Day program, a new tourist-oriented program that has become very popular. Families have started celebrating their child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah by accompanying their son or daughter to the forest, where they work as a Forester-for-a-Day. The ancient, but newly discovered terraces of the Carmel Forest that are the focus of our Tu Bi’Shevat Tree-A-Thon on February 5 are one of the primary worksites for this program. These ancient agricultural terraces are being restored and planted with olives, carobs, figs and pomegranates, together with native woodland trees such as oaks, terebinths, strawberry trees and Judas trees for a more historically correct landscape than existed before the Carmel fire. Foresters-for-a-Day perform a variety of tasks essential for maintaining the forest: pruning and sawing off branches, blazing trails, removal of cuttings and developing recreation areas.

While JNF focuses much of its energy on water and forest rehabilitation, it also believes that people should be able to enjoy the fruits of their labour. We thank all of you who contribute to JNF programs and hope you will have the opportunity to see JNF’s work in action in Israel.

On a daily basis you can plant trees for all occasions. An attractive card is sent to the recipient.

To order, call the JNF office (613.798.2411).

By Benita Baker After an 18-year professional theatre career that has taken her to Broadway, across Canada and the U.S., Ottawa native Jennifer Waiser performed professionally for the first time in her home town last month when she played the Artful Dodger in the National Arts Centre production of Oliver. It was a long way from her acting debut in a Camp B’nai Brith play.

“I am absolutely thrilled to be back in Ottawa,” Waiser told the Ottawa Jewish Bulletin. “It is wonderful to be here with my friends and family and to perform with such a great cast.”

As a teenager, Waiser took dancing and singing lessons, and got involved with community theatre groups including the Company of Musical Theatre and JCC Theatreworks.

“No one in my family is a performer,” said Waiser.

Jennifer Waiser’s role in the NAC production of Oliver “My parents never pushed marked her first professional appearances in her me to be an actor, but they hometown.

(Photo: Brad Bunyea) completely supported me.”

For Grade 12, she turning back. theatre, film and television switched from Lisgar to the “You just never know roles as well as animation Canterbury High School what life is going to throw voice-overs. She has perdrama program. Just a few at you,” Waiser said. formed roles as diverse as months into the program, On the set of Jane Eyre, Anne in the Diary of Anne she auditioned for a role in she met the dean of Ryerson Frank and Wendy in Peter the Mirvish production of Theatre School who en- Pan. Jane Eyre in Toronto and couraged her to audition.

“We have a love and a got the part.

Waiser was accepted and need to do this,” said Wais“It was crazy,” Waiser spent three years at the er about being an actor. said about the seven months school honing her craft.

“But it kind of picks you. she lived in Toronto perThree months short of Some days, you can’t beforming in the play. “I loved graduation, she got a role in lieve you get paid for doing every second of it.”

Fiddler on the Roof at the this.”

She had just turned 17, Stratford Festival and had her first professional stayed on for two more proacting job and, as a result, a ductions. coveted Actors’ Equity From there, Waiser went card, necessary for working on to amass a substantial list in theatre. There was no of acting credits, including

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Waiser’s role as the Artful Dodger is one of her favourites. Ottawa Citizen theatre critic Patrick Langston singled out her performance, referring to “the excellent Jennifer Waiser,” in his review.

Another of her favourite roles, Little Sally in Urinetown, earned her a prestigious Dora Mavor Moore Award nomination for outstanding Toronto musical performance in 2005.

“That was a dreamcome-true,” she said.

That was not Waiser’s first Dora recognition. In 2002, she was nominated for her portrayal of Queen Victoria in The Boy Jones.

The accomplished singer and actor credits her parents, David and Joni Waiser, for her success.

“Who you become is a result of your upbringing,” she said. “I couldn’t have done this without my parents’ support. Their support was my inspiration.”

Waiser moved to New York in 2006 to work on the Broadway show Pirate Queen and has lived there since. The downside of her profession is the uncertainty of knowing when the next role will come along. If her impressive resumé is any indication, there is little chance this will be a problem.

“You never know what’s going to happen,” said Waiser. “I’ve been so lucky.

It’s a tough business, but it’s wonderful.”

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Page 10 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – January 23, 2012

JNF Tu Bishvat Telethon to support restoration project in Carmel Forest

By Jane and Martin Gordon for Ottawa JNF On November 28, together with Gail Grief, Jewish National Fund (JNF) of Canada’s executive director for Eastern Canada, we visited the site of JNF’s exciting new project to restore ancient agricultural terraces. This

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project is part of JNF’s plan to scientifically manage the Carmel Forest in the aftermath of last year’s devastating fire. It will be the focus of this year’s Ottawa JNF Tu Bishvat Telethon on February 5.

Agricultural terraces are level plots supported by retaining walls at the edge of the plot, a technique traditionally used to prepare hilly land for farming.

In the Middle East, for more than 3,000 years, stones from rocky land have been used to build the walls that support the terraces, allowing local farmers to clear the land and, at the same time, obtain easily available material for building the terrace support walls. Thanks to this type of farming, farmers in arid and semi-arid regions have been able to make the most effective use of natural rainfall and preserve topsoil, which would otherwise be washed away. Crops grown on the terraces have subsisted on rainwater as their only source of irrigation, and terrace farming has been used extensively for growing fruit trees.

In the Carmel, many of the ancient terraces were covered by the conifer forests planted by JNF and no longer fulfilled their original function. The great Carmel wild-

fire of December 2010 exposed vast expanses of these ancient terraces, which had been hidden by the green forest that once covered Mount Carmel. JNF is restoring many of these areas as part of the post-fire rehabilitation work in the Carmel Forest.

One of the terraced sites slated for restoration is at Nir Etsiyon, located on Mount Carmel, about 18 km south of Haifa. These terraces are very old, some dating to the Roman Period. Over the years, they were expanded and repaired, but are now damaged and in need of extensive restoration.

After the fire, JNF surveyed and mapped the area and selected terraces, which will be rehabilitated by repairing missing sections and planting fruit trees, together with native woodland trees.

The project includes rehabilitation, planting and irrigation for the first few years, and is planned to be sustainable and require minimal ongoing maintenance. As well, it will be necessary to prevent the cones spit out by the conifers during the fire from regenerating the previous conifer forest.

Project goals include improving biodiversity by planting fruit trees and native woodland species instead of the conifer forests destroyed

(From left) Jane and Martin Gordon and Gail Grief visit JNF’s project to restore ancient agricultural terraces in the Carmel Forest.

by the fire, preventing soil erosion that is one of the negative consequences of wildfires, integrating terraces with fruit trees as a major component in firebreaks to prevent fire spread and preserving traditional farming methods.

During last year’s telethon, a number of our telephone volunteers were challenged by potential donors who were concerned that JNF might be planning to merely replant the conifer forest that had shown its vulnerability to wildfires. Our team assured questioners

that JNF would rehabilitate the forest based on best scientific practice, rather than rushing to produce a quick outcome. The terrace rehabilitation project is an exam-

ple of this measured, scientific approach. We are proud to offer this project to the Ottawa Jewish community for its support during the upcoming Tu Bishvat Telethon.

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January 23, 2012 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – Page 11

Ten Yad to celebrate kindness at gala

By Jack (Yankl) Botwinik for Ten Yad Three years ago, Ten Yad of Ottawa took flight and is now poised to soar higher.

On Sunday, January 29, 6:45 pm, the inaugural Ten Yad Friend-Raising Gala will take place at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum.

The purposes of the event are to raise awareness of the charitable organization and the services it offers to Ottawa’s Jewish community, to

publicly thank its many volunteers, and to inspire others to join.

“It’s a friend-raising event,” said Debbie Scharf, event chair and vice-chair of Ten Yad’s Board of Directors. “Now that the infrastructure is in place, and we’ve got the experience, the time is ripe to take the organization to the next level.”

Ten Yad – Hebrew for lending a hand – is dedicated to relieving the stress on indi-

viduals and families during challenging or extraordinary times such as the arrival of a newborn, recovery from a medical emergency, a family move to Ottawa, etc. Among its activities, it co-ordinates volunteers to visit patients, run errands, drive family members to hospital visits and help with meal co-ordination when necessary.

Unlike other charitable organizations, Ten Yad only deals with acute situations,

Rambam Day School raffle

By Golda Rabinowitz for Rambam Day School Rambam Day School is holding a fundraising raffle and the proceeds will be dedicated to enhancing Rambam’s science and computer labs, which provide students with much-needed modern world skills.

For more than 30 years, Rambam has provided well-rounded and comprehensive Judaic and general studies programs for Jewish children from preschool through Grade 8.

The school’s mandate is to provide children a high-calibre academic program in Hebrew, English and French, which surpasses standards set by the Ontario Ministry of Education and provides a solid foundation for stu-

dents to excel as they pursue their education.

The raffle is already underway and ticket sales are booming. The grand prize is a ticket for two to Israel. There are myriad other wonderful items to be won including jewelry, $500 gift cards, couples’ getaways, and much more.

Only 600 tickets are being sold, so the chances of winning are good!

Families that benefit directly or indirectly from Rambam’s excellent education are excited about the raffle. The draw takes place Tuesday, February 7, 7:30 pm, at the Soloway Jewish Community Centre Social Hall.

Be sure to get your tickets before they run out! To buy tickets, call 613-263-5759.

offering short-term assistance, usually for a two-week period.

Ten Yad has grown greatly since becoming a registered charity in 2009. It now has more than 200 volunteers with about two-thirds involved in meal preparation and delivery, and about onethird in giving rides, making hospital visits and grocery shopping. In 2011, Ten Yad volunteers provided assistance to almost 60 individuals or families in Ottawa.

“The organization,” said Scharf,” is run entirely by volunteers, and they are from all expressions of Judaism.”

At $36 per ticket, the proceeds from the gala will go directly to Ten Yad’s Circle Fund, which is geared to helping the most vulnerable members of the community.

The theme for the evening is “celebrating acts of kindness.” Keynote speaker Ari Schonbrun, a survivor of the September 11, 2001 attack on the World Trade Center in New York City, will address Surviving 9/11 Through Self-

less Acts of Kindness, and Rabbi Reuven Bulka, founder and chair of Ottawa Kindness Week, will offer a D’var Torah.

Other highlights of the evening will include a jazz performance by the Central Band of the Canadian Forces and hors d’oeuvres and a dessert reception sponsored

by Creative Kosher Catering.

The Canada Aviation and Space Museum is an interesting and unique setting for a Jewish event. Tables will be set up in the heart of the museum and attendees will be surrounded by huge, stunning aircrafts. People can roam freely among the exhibits.

Despite her full-time job, being a mother, and her other responsibilities, Scharf is devoted to the goals of Ten Yad. “Giving is not always supposed to be easy,” she said. “But it’s tremendous to see the impact on people’s lives.”

Scharf believes that’s what draws volunteers to Ten Yad.

Ari Schonbrun

Esti Fogel, founder and chair of Ten Yad, agrees. She never imagined the organization would grow so rapidly.

“Ten Yad has no agenda other than to do good. People want to be a part of it,” said Fogel Scharf considers Ten Yad an important and much-needed safety net for Jews in Ottawa.

“When people are having a difficult time, they think, ‘I have a community and I’m not alone.’ This is the most beautiful thing about Ten Yad.” To purchase tickets to the gala, or for further information, contact Ten Yad at 613618-0485 or info@tenyad.ca.

Page 12 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – January 23, 2012

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Ottawa Jewish Bulletin celebrates 75th year The first issue of the Ottawa Jewish Bulletin was published October 22, 1937, making 2012 our 75th anniversary year.

Throughout 2012, with the much-appreciated assistance of the Ottawa Jewish Archives, we’ll be republishing something from an earlier edition of the Bulletin in each issue. Later, in our Chanukah community-wide issue, we’ll publish a special

commemorative supplement celebrating the Bulletin’s 75 years.

We begin below with page 2 of our very first issue. The Shalom article introduces the new Bulletin to readers. Beside it is the first column by Rabbi William Margolis, then Ottawa’s community rabbi.

– Michael Regenstreif, editor

January 23, 2012 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – Page 13

jnetconnect and Federation Campaign volunteers enjoy a night at the game

By Rena Garshowitz Jewish Federation of Ottawa Nestled in the 400 level of Scotiabank Place, directly across from the press box, is the Founders Suite where 135 young adults, Campaign canvassers and volunteers came together for the Jewish Federation of Ottawa’s Night in the Founders Suite, December 7.

The Ottawa Senators took on the Washington Capitals that night, the game acting as the backdrop to the Federation event, which was both a thank you to Campaign volunteers and the official launch party of jnetconnect. jnetconnect is a new initiative of openOttawa to (From left) Ayal Sadeh, Jason Miller, PJ Rothman and Shayna Miller enjoy the hockwelcome and connect ey game from the Founders Suite.

(Photo: Francie Greenspoon) young Jewish adults who As for all of the campaign volunteers and canvassers, have recently moved or relocated back to Ottawa, as well as Rony Podolsky, the Federation’s newly appointed chief dethose just looking to connect and get involved. jnetconnect works with a team of ambassadors, other velopment officer, described them as “the backbone of our young adults tasked with reaching out to the newcomers fundraising initiatives.”

Podolsky reiterated the importance of maintaining ongoand helping to integrate them into Ottawa’s thriving neting contact with canvassers, volunteers and donors work of Jewish young professionals.

Howie Fremeth, a jnet board member and chair of jnet- throughout the year, not just during the Campaign.

“The commitment demonstrated by our canvassers and connect, attended the game and said jnet was pleased the volunteers is a key success factor in our Annual Campaign, Federation hosted the jnetconnect launch.

“The hockey game provided a perfect setting for young helping inspire and motivate donors and staff alike. It is our adults to network and meet leaders within the burgeoning pleasure to be able to acknowledge volunteers’ and canyoung adult community,” said Fremeth. “jnet’s objective is vassers’ ongoing efforts through fun events such as this,” he not only to welcome newcomers to the city and provide op- said.

Even though the Capitals beats the Sens 5-3, everyone in portunities for young adults to network, but also to empower established leaders within the young adult commu- the Founders Suite had a good schmooze, some nice food nity to become ambassadors for all that Jewish Ottawa has and a great time.

For more information about jnetconnect, contact to offer.” jnetconnect ambassadors were out in full force, armed Samantha Banks at 613-798-4696, ext. 270 or with nametags and business cards to introduce themselves sbanks@jewishottawa.com.

For information on becoming a campaign volunteer, and jnetconnect to every person between the ages of 18 and 35 who came out to the event, as well as to mingle with old contact Rony Podolsky at 613-798-4696, ext. 246, or rpodolsky@jewishottawa.com. friends and meet other members of the community.

2012 Reach Lawyers Comedy Night

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presented by Foord Davies LLP

A fun-filled evening consisting of members within the legal and judicial communities performing comedic acts.

The evening will also feature a performance by Darryl Lenox, a comedian who has been entertaining audiences throughout North America with his original brand of humour.

Thursday, February 2, 2012 at Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington St. 5:30 pm Reception- light supper sponsored by Vittoria Trattoria • 7:30 pm Performance begins Featuring: Mr. Justice Colin D. McKinnon, Master of Ceremonies Lawyers: James Foord, Paul Francis, Steve Gaon and Kevin Philips Comedic Headliner: Darryl Lenox - www.darryllenox.com

Ticket price: $75 pp with a $30 charitable tax receipt • Students $25 Tickets can be purchased on-line at www.reach.ca and you will receive an immediate charitable receipt. Or call 613-236-6636.

www.reach.ca

Page 14 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – January 23, 2012

1 3 0 9

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January 23, 2012 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – Page 15

Camp Ramah open house

By Ethan Calof for Agudath Israel Congregation Camp Ramah in Canada, located in the Muskoka Region north of Toronto, will hold an open house in Ottawa on February 5 at Agudath Israel Congregation.

It’s difficult for me to illustrate everything that Camp Ramah in Canada means to me, because the beautiful tapestry of camp can’t be painted with normal brushes. There are so many things about Ramah offers that have enriched my entire life, both in and out of the summer setting.

I spent seven summers in the Ramah system: four as a camper, two as a staff member and one in Israel. Those seven summers represent a large chunk of my life and I say with absolute confidence that every second I spent with Ramah improved my life and made me a better person.

In each of my seven summers with Ramah, I strengthened my Jewish identity. I didn’t go to Jewish day school and the camp environment represented what my religion is and can be.

From my first Shabbat dinner, I was swept up in the ruach, which makes every moment at camp special. There’s nothing quite like being in the middle of a mass of hundreds of people singing “Gesher Tzar Meod” to remind one of who you are and where you come from.

Ramah taught me how to daven Mincha and Ma’ariv, the proper way to receive an aliyah, and why Tisha B’Av is important.

Above that, though, Ramah taught me that Judaism wasn’t just sitting in shul and listening to other people chant, it’s a way to bring people together to participate and honour our past.

In each of my seven summers at Ramah, I learned many skills that I simply couldn’t learn elsewhere.

As an unabashed city slicker, I’ll take the bus to places that are a five-minute walk away, so my first canoe trip was a foreign

experience. By the time the trip was over, I had braved several long portages, learned how to start a fire and paddled across beautiful blue lakes. It was an awesome experience that’s impossible to forget.

More than anything, however, Camp Ramah helped me grow as a person. I can say conclusively that I wouldn’t be where I am as an individual without Ramah’s influence.

My very first summer as a camper was a terrifying experience. I was a very clingy preteen and cried when my parents left me for the first time. I had no idea how to make a bed properly, frequently bungled my laundry sorting, and adjusted poorly to my new-found freedom.

That changed in a hurry, thanks to the spectacular support system at Ramah, both from staff and from campers who had been there before. When I decided to open my eyes, I saw everyone welcoming me into the ironclad Ramah community with open arms.

I began making friends, many of whom are friends to this day, participating in activities and living the camp life. Suddenly, I didn’t want to leave.

Over my seven years at Ramah, I turned from a shy, scared kid into a confident young man. I entered with no friends and exited with many. I entered with no concept of personal responsibility and exited with gobs of invaluable leadership training.

In each of my seven years at Camp Ramah in Canada, I not only had an awesome time, but also grew massively as a person. It’s a unique and special opportunity I can only encourage everyone to get a piece of. I may not be a camper or staff member, but I will always be a member of the Ramah family.

The Camp Ramah open house will be held Sunday, February 5, 1:00 to 3:00 pm, at Agudath Israel Congregation, 1400 Coldrey Avenue. For more information, visit campramah.com or contact Michele Bass at mbass@campramah.com.

OTI annual lecture to discuss business ethics

By Aaron Sarna Ottawa Torah Institute The Ottawa Torah Institute Yeshiva High School (OTI) and Machon Sarah High School for Girls are sponsoring our eighth annual Adina Ben-Porat Memorial Lecture on Jewish Ethics.

Rabbi Eliezer Ben-Porat, dean of both schools, will speak about the morality of business competition in the Jewish tradition. The lecture will bring halachic perspectives to this timely topic.

Rabbi Ben-Porat is a noted teacher and scholar of Judaic law who has published widely in the field. He commanded an IDF reconnaissance unit during the 1973 Yom Kippur War and has been teaching in Ottawa since 1988.

His lecture – entitled Fair Competition: A re There Limits to Free Enterprise? – will

focus on how Judaic thought and rulings have reconciled the problems of market encroachment, dominance and entrepreneurship.

The lecture will take place Monday, February 6, 7:15 pm, at the Soloway Jewish Community Centre.

Tickets are $25 (general admission) and $15 (students, seniors 60 and over). To order, contact the OTI office at 613-244-3939 or secretary@ottawatorah.org.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of OTI. We continue to maintain our reputation as a Jewish educational centre of excellence with graduates obtaining superior grades and awards including the Governor General’s Medal. The reopening of Machon Sarah with a Grade 9 class in September indicates the female teen demographic in our city is on the rise and the demand for classical Judaic education is growing.

Jewish Community Service Awards Members of the Jewish community are invited to nominate individuals to receive the following community awards at the Annual General Meeting of the Federation in early June.

Gilbert Greenberg Distinguished Service Award The Gilbert Greenberg Distinguished Service Award is the highest tribute that the Ottawa Jewish Community can bestow on an individual for exceptional service over the course of many years.

Initiated in 1980, it bears the name of the late Past President of the Jewish Federation of Ottawa, Gilbert Greenberg, who exemplified the qualities of leadership, which the award endeavours to recognize.

Freiman Family Young Leadership Award The Freiman Family Young Leadership Award recognizes an individual or an organization within the Jewish community, under the age of 40, who has contributed actively to the Jewish community in the two or more years following his/her participation in the Young Leadership Development Program, or as a young leader rendered exceptional service to the Jewish community.

The Shem Tov Community Volunteer Award presented by the Ottawa Citizen “There are three crowns: the crown of Torah, the crown of priesthood, and the crown of kingship; but the crown of a good name excels them all.”

- Rabbi Shimon The Shem Tov Community Volunteer Award was created to recognize an outstanding and active volunteer with the Jewish community who, through many years of service, has contributed to the enrichment of Jewish life in Ottawa.

Address Recommendations by March 31, 2012 to: Chair of the Community Award Selection Committee Jewish Federation of Ottawa 21 Nadolny Sachs Private, Ottawa, Ontario K2A 1R9 or email: dpaterson@jewishottawa.com For more information, please visit www.jewishottawa.com

NOMINATION FORM (Please attach another page to tell us more) ❏ Gilbert Greenberg Distinguished Service Award ❏ Freiman Family Young Leadership Award ❏ Shem Tov Community Volunteer Award ABOUT YOU ________________________ Nominator name ________________________ Daytime Phone ________________________ E-mail Address

ABOUT NOMINEE ___________________________ Nominee ___________________________ Agency or Organization ___________________________ E-mail Address

Detail community involvement and special contributions

Page 16 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – January 23, 2012

Jessica Kerzner at helm of new fitness magazine

By Benita Baker When 22-year-old Jessica Kerzner tells people she is the co-founder of a new fitness magazine, they smile politely, uncertain about what she really does.

When she shows them a copy of Greco TotalFit, they see a quality publication packed with interesting, relevant information for healthy living, but they still have trouble believing she can be a guiding force behind the magazine.

“Most people, when they see the quality of the magazine, are surprised that I could be so young and put out such a quality product,” said Kerzner. “That’s why I put my photo in it.”

Kerzner was not aspiring to become a magazine publisher until a chance opportunity came her way while working for fitness guru Tony Greco who now operates seven fitness studios in Ottawa.

Cu Van Ha, founder and publisher of high end fashion and design magazine

Preston Catalogue, approached Greco about producing a branded fitness publication. When Greco proposed Kerzner work with Cu to create and oversee the magazine, she jumped at the chance.

“It was a cool way to link my love of fitness and my connection to Greco members,” said Kerzner, who is now manager of the newest Greco location in Blossom Park.

With Kerzner at the helm, co-ordinating content, advertising, photo shoots and production, the first edition with ultra-marathoner Ray Zahad on the cover, came out last April. Philadelphia Flyers forward Claude Giroux was on the cover of issue number two and supermodel Carol Alt graces the cover of the third and current issue.

According to Kerzner, what distinguishes TotalFit from other fitness magazines publications is its focus on overall healthy living, not just one aspect of it; hence,

TotalFit magazine co-founders Cu Van Ha (left) and Jessica Kerzner.

(Photo courtesy of Jessica Kerzner)

the name TotalFit. “We did a lot of research and discovered that other publications focused on just one thing, either what to do in the gym or living healthy,” said Kerzner. “We looked at our members and how they work hard to incorporate fitness and healthy living into their daily life.

We wanted a magazine that

expanded beyond the gym to include a complete health and fitness lifestyle.”

To that end, the Sports and Nutrition Panel of experts available to Greco members is also providing the magazine’s content.

Consequently, articles in TotalFit include everything from an interior designer’s advice on creating relaxing

spaces in your home, to recipes, fitness tips and celebrity interviews.

Since the fitness industry is always changing, Kerzner said one of the hardest parts of putting out a quarterly magazine is staying current.

Many of the story ideas come from the members themselves, and her connection to them motivates her to

spend as much time as possible in the gym.

“I love my job,” she said.

“I get to be a part of the best part of people’s day.”

Response to the magazine has been positive, so good that extra pages were added to the third issue. The goal is to continue providing credible, readable and informative content and to increase circulation. Currently, the magazine is given to Greco members and advertisers, and is sold at local magazine stores and at Chapters stores across Canada.

For Kerzner, the reward comes both from the pride of accomplishment and from what she has learned.

“I have two wonderful mentors,” she said. “Tony always pushed me to do more and always believed in me. Cu taught me the ropes in the magazine world. I can’t say enough about him.

He is so creative and so smart. It has been an amazing experience working with both of them.”

January 23, 2012 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – Page 17

(From left) Jon Braun, Gail Lieff, Sara Plue and Lauren Lee are busy planning an exciting season for the JCC of Ottawa Summer Camps.

JCC of Ottawa Summer Camps planning exciting 2012 season

By Pamela Rosenberg Soloway JCC How do JCC of Ottawa Summer Camps get better each year with more original camps, exciting themes and top notch counsellors?

They start at the top with a stellar team of directors who care about delivering unforgettable summer experiences.

Jon Braun returns as executive director of Summer Camps and director of Travelling Sports Camp for summer 2012. Gail Lieff is back as Specialty Camps co-ordinator and Lauren Lee heads up Day Camp. New to the team, but not new to camp, is Sara Plue, Day Camp assistant director.

Sara spent last summer as the camp office administrator following several summers working with the three-year-old campers. In the off-season Sara is a Grade 3 teacher.

“Sara is a highly energetic, committed and positive person who children and parents have come to trust and appreciate here at JCC Summer Camps. We are very fortunate to have Sara as part of our JCC Summer Camps senior management team,” said Jon. Camp runs for nine weeks and includes something for every interest and ages two to 15, all under the supervision of mature and highly qualified camp counsellors with a passion for working with children.

According to Jon, all camp staff must have previous work-related experience and demonstrate a 110 per cent commitment to ensuring all campers have the best summer of their lives.

“Many of our counsellors and instructors are student teachers and educators who have made a lifetime commitment to working with children. JCC Summer Camps recognizes that, while we only have the campers in the summer months, we see the larger picture and do our best to be a positive element in the growth of all of our campers and their families.”

There will be lots of familiar faces at Day Camp as many of last summer’s counsellors are returning. Much of the day camp staff are ECE trained professionals from the SJCC Ganon Preschool.

In their ongoing effort to make each summer better than the one before, Day Camp directors Lauren and Sara have been busy putting together some great new themes for this season including Yummy in my Tummy, a week of creating delicious summer treats, and Under the J Sea Sea, where they will play water games and create an underwater adventure within the SJCC. New to the Specialty Camps roster are Photography Camp, Powered up LEGO Camp, and Radical Reactions – Chemistry and Crime.

Under the leadership of professional photographer Jim Lamonte of Pergrine Prints, who has been teaching photography at the SJCC for many years, campers will learn all about focus, composition, self expression and photographic creativity.

At Radical Reactions – Chemistry and Crime Camp, kids will have a blast mixing potions, blowing things up and exploring the rapidly changing field of forensics. And, for kids who love LEGO, there’s Powered Up LEGO Camp where budding builders will put together motorized vehicles and creatures with LEGO Technic, RCX and NXT robotic components.

“Our specialty camps are different from others in the city because we bring in qualified instructors who are experts in their fields,” said Gail. “Our Basketball Camp, for example, is run by a former NCAA and CIS basketball coach and our Fit Kids Camp is led by a certified fitness trainer.”

Travelling Sports Campers can look forward to all the afternoon trips they have come to love like ice skating, tennis and golf lessons, horseback riding, canoeing, banana boarding, water slides and more. Plus, new this year, the senior campers will head to Montreal for a Montreal Impact MLS (Major League Soccer) game.

For more information on the various JCC of Ottawa Summer Camps contact the camp office at 613-798-9818, ext. 258, or camp@jccottawa.com, or visit jccottawa.com to download a camp brochure.

Page 18 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – January 23, 2012

Fortunée Shugar uses artistic talents to help Jewish community

By Louise Rachlis for Temple Israel Last August, Cantor Daniel Benlolo called Fortunée Shugar and said Tamir had had such success with its production of the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat that they wanted to expand into the visual arts.

He asked the Ottawa artist to start a Judaism Through Art program at Tamir.

“I’d never worked with this population before,” said Fortunée, who holds an honours fine arts degree from the University of Ottawa, “but I’d worked with other specialized groups and knew I could do it.”

Her husband, Bill Shugar, is retired from the public school board where he taught students with developmental disabilities.

Fortunée and Bill have been members of Temple Israel for the past 20 years, where they sing in the liturgical choir. Fortunée is active with the Temple’s Caring Committee and Bill is study-

ing to become one of the lay cantors for Shabbat services.

A lifetime artist, Fortunée has participated in group exhibitions and solo shows at a variety of Ottawa galleries, as well as at galleries in Toronto and Montreal. She has done public commissions, book illustrations and the book cover concept, design and execution for the A Common Thread: A History of the Jews of Ottawa, published by the Ottawa Jewish Historical Society.

One of Fortunée’s paintings hangs in the Terry Schwartzfeld Daycare Centre in Israel and her large painting, Shalom Shabbat – Welcoming the Sabbath Queen, hangs in the Soloway Jewish Community Centre (JCC).

Fortunée’s work will be sold through the new Michael Gennis Gallery in Westboro and she is also represented by the Xanadu Gallery in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The first project in Tamir’s Judaism Through Art program was a three-dimen-

Fortunée Shugar at a recent art open house held at her Craig Henry home.

sional Tree of Life on canvas.

Set up for viewing at Tamir, it is a life-sized tree with abstract paintings turned into leaves. A group visiting from Israel came up with one of the scenes.

The Tree was an appropriate first project for the program as Tamir Executive Director Mark Palmer ex-

plained that “tamir” is the Hebrew word for tree.

In the midst of the tree work, Fortunée also organized the design of Chanukah cards that were sold in December to benefit Tamir.

“I like the group a lot, and am finding it very exciting,” she said. “Hopefully, the pro-

Judaic Outreach Programs

gram will grow.”

Fortunée also runs a weekly multimedia class for children, as well as a weekly cartooning and animation class, at the Soloway JCC. Another of her favourite projects has been the L’Dor V’Dor Legacy project she started through Jewish Family Services, producing artifacts such as shadow boxes and quilts speaking about older persons’ lives.

“It was in response to the fact that many people told me they wish they knew more about their grandparents and it would be nice to pass something on to the future,” she said.

Fortunée is a full-time artist, devoting all of her energies to creating unique artistic expressions, in a variety of media, while also reaching out to the broader community both young and old, in her extracurricular teaching activities.

With her husband Bill as business manager, she’s expanding her reach both within Ottawa, and the larger markets of Montreal, Toronto and beyond. She says her desire to be a successful artist is driven by “a vivid and sensuous passion for life,” a passion that she wants to share with others through her multi-dimensional and multimedia work.

To see more of her art, you can call Fortunée at 613723-1270, visit her website at fortuneeshugar.com, or attend her upcoming solo show, Impressions of Impressionism, at the Foyer Gallery in June.

January to March 2012 Alison Caplan, Judaic Administrative Assistant 613-725-3519 Date

Program

Place

Time

Mondays Resuming January 9

Tamir Neshama Choir Led by Cantor Benlolo

Day Program 11 Nadolny Sachs

7:30 – 8:30

Mondays Resuming January 9

Judaism Through Art Led by Fortunée Shugar

Day Program 11 Nadolny Sachs

6:00 – 7:30

Thursdays Resuming January 12

OSSD Drama Program until April 19

Ottawa School of Speech and Drama

6:30 – 8:30

Monday February 6

Tu B’shvat Program

Day Program

6:00 – 8:30

Friday January 27

Community Shabbat RSVP to Alison Caplan

Day Program 11 Nadolny Sachs

5:30 – 7:30

Friday February 24

Community Shabbat RSVP to Alison Caplan

Day Program 11 Nadolny Sachs

5:30 – 7:30

Wednesday March 7

Purim Megillah Reading and Carnival

Beth Shalom 151 Chapel

Friday March 23

Community Shabbat RSVP to Alison Caplan

Day Program 11 Nadolny Sachs

TBD 5:30 – 7:30

Agudath Israel: New programming director Agudath Israel Congregation has announced the appointment of Malachi Handler as its youth and family programming director.

Handler said he accepted the position with “great anticipation.”

Handler grew up in the New York City area attending Jewish day school and spending summers as a camper and counsellor at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. He previously worked as a development assistant for Hillel at Harvard University.

“I have been impressed by the commitment and enthusiasm here in the local Jewish community, and am looking forward to working with youth and young families at Agudath Israel.”

Handler can be contacted at 613-728-3501 or youth@agudathisrael.net.

January 23, 2012 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – Page 19

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Page 20 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – January 23, 2012

Is Death of a Salesman a Jewish play?

By C. Lee Bates for Ottawa Jewish Community School The cast and directors of the Ottawa Jewish Community School (OJCS) 2012 production of Arthur Miller’s classic play are hoping this question will bring members of the community to the school to enjoy the performance and determine the answer through dialogue and debate.

The idea that Death of a Salesman is a Jewish play was put forward by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright David Mamet in an article, The Human Stain, published May 7, 2005, in the British newspaper, the Guardian.

“Miller’s master creation, Willie Loman ... is, to any Jew, unmistakably a Jew. Death of a Salesman, its author, setting and subject, the business, and the agony

of assimilation, are all Jewish,” wrote Mamet.

Arts writer Lisa Traiger also examines the idea in an article on the Jewish Theatre website (tinyurl.com/Deathof-a-Salesman-Jewish): “There’s nothing overtly Jewish about the Loman family of his 1949 Pulitzer Prize-winning Death of a Salesman.

And yet, everything about the cadences and dialogue … resounds with a Jewish accent, a Jewish voice.”

Thus the OJCS’s high school thespians will at least provide some food for thought by following the lead of the Washington, D.C.-area Arena Theatre’s professional production, staged as part of an Arthur Miller festival in 2008, by adding a dramatic touch to the play’s tragic final scene.

Given the intensity of the storyline, and that it moves in

Itzy Kamil (right) as Willy Loman, and Yona Steinman as his tormented son, Biff, rehearse for the Ottawa Jewish Community School production of Death of a Salesman.

(Photo: Howard Sandler)

and out of the present moment in compelling dreamlike memory scenes, Death of a Salesman is challenging for the play’s actors and compelling for the audience.

The cast of the OJCS pro-

duction is very strong and includes 13 students from Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12. Veteran OJCS actors Itzy Kamil and Michaela Sadinsky lead the cast as Willy Loman and wife, Linda. Another veteran

Promoting quality of life for persons with developmental disabilities in a Jewish environmnent Tamir acknowledges with sincere thanks the following donations, which were received as of December 22, 2011.

Mazeltov to: Natalie and Raymond Stern on their 50th wedding anniversary and 30 years in Canada by Gloria and Ernest Hanff; by Roz and Stan Labow; by Jane and Martin Gordon; by Teena and Uri Goldberg; and

by The Honourable Laurier L. Lapierre and Harvey A. Slack Mrs. Ruth Elias on her birthday by Chaim Litwin and Linda Philips Mrs. Cindy Feingold on her birthday

by Faith and Guy Mr. and Mrs. Ron Levitan on their wedding anniversary by Helen and Mayer Alvo Robbie and Harold Wexler on the marriage of Jessica and Ben by Davina Finn Jessica and Ben Wexler-Greisman on their marriage by Davina Finn Dr. and Mrs. Nordau Kanigsberg on the birth of their granddaughter by Carol and Lawrence Pascoe Mr. Harold Shizgal on his birthday by Sylvia and Michael Caplan Debi and David Shore on their birthdays by Sylvia and Michael Caplan Mrs. Sylvia Pleet on her special birthday by Jerry and Lily Penso

Mrs. Selma Davis on her special birthday by Jerry and Lily Penso Dr. and Mrs. Gary Viner on your 60th birthdays by Sheila Howard Refuah Shlemah to: Mrs. Debi Shore by Harvey A. Slack Mrs. Libby Katz by Evelyn and Norman Potechin Mrs. Lily Penso by Margaret and Robert Lederman; by Sharon and Paul Finn; and by Evelyn and Norman Potechin Mr. Edgar Saslove by Evelyn and Norman Potechin In Memory of: Great-granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Seymour Eisenberg by Sheila and Larry Hartman Lou Eisenberg by Francoise Vexler; and by Evelyn and Norman Potechin Betty Ballon by Lily and Jerry Penso Mother of Leslee Balsam by the Finn family Celia Levitan by Max and Ellie Greenberg; by Evelyn and Norman Potechin; by Irene Waxman; and by Judith and Vince Piazza Irene Stein by Debbie and Norm

Ferkin; by Participants, Staff and Board of Directors of Tamir; and by Brian Tannenbaum and Rona Shaffran-Tannenbaum Estelle, sister and sister-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Blakey by Sharon and Paul Finn and Family Charles Baker by Sharon and Paul Finn Arni May by Jerry and Lily Penso; by Max and Ellie Greenberg; and by Sharon and Paul Finn Geetie Freedman by Evelyn and Norman Potechin; and by Jerry and Lily Penso General: In appreciation to Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Penso by Avrum Kerzner In appreciation to Dr. Janet Dollin by Lois Nudelman In appreciation to Natalie and Raymond Stern by Barbara Levine and David Spring In appreciation at Thanksgiving to Mr. and Mrs. David Kwavnick by Israel Shames Wishing a Happy Chanukah to Paul, Talya and Jashia Shore by Mom and Dad With best wishes at Christmas to Mrs. Gail Driscoll by Lynn McFarlane and David Kent With best wishes at Christmas to Mrs. Lynn McFarlane by Gail Driscoll

Donation cards can be purchased for a minimum charge of $18.00 by contacting the Tamir office at 613-725-3519, 11 Nadolny Sachs Private, Suite 218, Ottawa, Ontario, K2A 1R9, or by e-mail to aalmstedt@tamir.ca.

OJCS actor, Raphael Sandler, takes a smaller acting part this year as Willy’s boss because he was eager to take on the task of student assistant director. Barry Karp and Cynthia Bates again team up as directors having previously worked together on the school’s production of Brighton Beach Memoirs.

As Traiger notes, “Miller wrote with a Jewish sense of morality. Looking again at his work … it seems his moral underpinnings never left him, and, whether his plays were ethnically Jewish, they were, and remain,

morally so.”

There will be a $10 matinee preview of Death of a Salesman on Monday, February 13, 1:30 pm.

The official opening night is Tuesday, February 14, with performances following on Wednesday and Thursday, February 15 and 16. All evening performances start at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $12 (students and seniors) and $15 (general admission).

Performances for past productions have sold out, so reserve tickets early by calling the school at 613-7220020, ext. 333.

Temple Israel Friday Kabbalat Shabbat Services 6:15 pm Saturday Shabbat Services 10:15 am Shabbat Shirah Saturday, February 4 10:15 am Saturday evening, February 4 Shabbat Shirah concert at 8:00 pm with Musica Ebraica Friday evening, February 10 bring your own dinner at 7:00 pm following Services For more info please go to www.templeisraelottawa.ca 1301 Prince of Wales Drive, Ottawa, ON K2C 1N2 www.templeisraelottawa.ca 613-224-1802

January 23, 2012 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – Page 21

Israeli students reciprocate Ottawa Social Action Mission

By Sara Holzman Social Action Mission participant Social Action Mission participants had the great joy to welcome Hadar Zafir and Daniel Ofek, two Israeli students from Tel Chai College, to Ottawa from November 24 to December 4. This was a reciprocal visit following our mission last May to the Galilee Panhandle, where we volunteered and met and travelled with Israelis.

“It was such a thrill to reconnect with Hadar and Daniel and show them the great hospitality in Ottawa that they showed us last May in Israel, while at the same time giving them the opportunity to give back to the community,” said Dan Shugar, who hosted the pair and is co-chairing the 2012 Social Action Mission to Israel.

Like our trip to the Galilee, we had a social action component to their stay here. We volunteered with Tamir, helping to create a beautiful wall-hanging that will be displayed in their Jewish Community Campus building. Besides the fun we had being creative, we were able to share stories, dinner and some laughs with some Tamir participants. Several Tamir participants were especially excited to chat with

Social Action Mission participants and Tamir participants work on an art project to be displayed in the halls of Tamir’s main building.

Daniel and Hadar as they had recently been to Israel with the Tamir Choir.

We really wanted to give Hadar and Daniel a taste of what it’s like to be Jewish in Ottawa. It was important for us to show them that, as Jews in the Diaspora, we have to create opportunities to feel Jewish.

Sylvia Kershman from the Ottawa Jewish Historical Society gave us an informative tour of Ottawa from a Jewish historical perspective. It was interesting to learn about our roots as a Jewish community and see some of the prominent landmarks in Lowertown and the ByWard Market.

We also attended a variety of events, such as the jnet Black and Blanc party, and a Shabbat dinner at the Glebe Shul.

A highlight for Hadar was attending a networking event hosted by the Young Women’s Leadership Council.

“It was amazing to meet influen-

tial women in the Ottawa Jewish community, and to learn about some of the programs women choose to get involved with,” said Hadar.

We also wanted them to get a feel for life in Canada’s capital.

Highlights included attending Question Period in the House of Commons and a tour of Parliament Hill, courtesy of ministerial staffer Ariella Kimmel; a 67’s game; a trip to Le Nordik spa; and a day trip to Parc Omega. Both Hadar and Daniel thought it was absolutely magical with the fresh snow and vast Canadian landscapes.

“One of the best parts of hosting the Israeli students was strengthening the relationships we started to create in Israel in May. We’re hoping to see Hadar and Daniel, as well as some of the other Tel Chai students who hosted us, either back in Israel next time we go, or here in Ottawa when they come back,” said Lauren Bronstein, co-chair of the 2012 Social Action Mission.

This year’s Social Action Mission to Israel is May 9 to 20. Register online at jewishottawa.com. For more information, contact Samantha Banks at sbanks@jewishottawa.com or 613-798-4696, ext. 270.

Page 22 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – January 23, 2012

Community workshop will provide tools for Israel advocacy

By Gloria Schwartz for JET Do you love Israel, but don’t always love the way it gets portrayed in the media? Have you noticed this tiny democratic nation receives a disproportionately large amount of negative news coverage? Does it upset you when the media ignores acts of anti-Semitism, violence and terrorism perpetrated by Israel’s neighbours? Do you think media campaigns that target Israel distort the facts? Have you wanted to voice your concerns, but are unsure of how to do so?

In response to these questions, JET has organized a workshop entitled Israel Advocacy in 5 Minutes: How to Create Effective Messages for all Media to be held Wednesday, February 15, 7:00 pm at the Soloway Jewish Community Centre. This workshop is presented in collaboration with the Jewish Federation of Ottawa and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) and will be led by Jordan Kerbel, CIJA’s deputy director of communications and advocacy training.

“The primary function of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs is to service our community. One of the ways in which we can best support the community is through our

educational programs, namely, our communications workshops,” said CIJA CEO Shimon Fogel. “These workshops have been extremely valuable in helping community members add their voice to the advocacy conversation. I am especially pleased that Jordan Kerbel will be working with the group. He is a

widely recognized media expert in Canada whose training and insight have helped people maximize interaction with media.”

Kerbel has delivered numerous media training and communications workshops to hundreds of participants. Using interactive simulations based on real-life experiences, this

engaging workshop will provide the knowledge and skills to effectively communicate and advocate for Israel, whether through letter writing, calling in to a radio show, or through other means.

This workshop is the second in a series of four presentations, portraying the significance of the Land of

Israel and its intrinsic connection to the Jewish People, the theme of JET’s 2012 Jewish Unity Live Learning Campaign.

Seating is limited and pre-registration for the workshop is required.

Contact JET at 613-798-9818, ext.

247, or jet@jccottawa.com to reserve your seat.

Connecting with the Shabbat Dinner Project

By Yoni Levitan The Shabbat Dinner Project The times I’ve felt most connected to my Jewish identity have been when someone I hardly knew invited me over for Shabbat dinner. There is nothing quite like being invited into a stranger’s home and breaking bread on Shabbat or a High Holiday.

While I may initially walk in with mild trepidation, inevitably my hosts warmly welcome me to their home, thank me for coming, and tell me how happy they are to have me.

I am served a delicious four-course meal and, as the evening unfolds, I have the good fortune of getting to know my gracious hosts. The Shabbat experience invariably provides an immediate connection that goes beyond the spoken word.

Some of my most cherished memories are of Shabbat dinners

I’ve had at homes in places ranging from Safed, Israel to Nice, France to Kingston, Ontario. I still fondly remember even the smallest details of those wonderful occasions.

Recalling those dinners, I have joined a great new initiative in Ottawa’s Jewish community that will build a greater sense of community, one relationship at a time, with the Shabbat dinner as our chosen vehicle.

In addition to providing meaningful Jewish experiences to young adults, the Shabbat Dinner Project hopes to build bonds between young adults and established members of our community. The Jewish Federation of Ottawa is supporting this initiative as a pilot project. Hopefully, it will be successful and lead to something bigger next year.

We’re starting with the modest goal of facilitating one Shabbat din-

ner per week that would not have otherwise taken place. Ultimately, we want a young adult to be able to call the Federation on a Thursday and have somewhere convenient and comfortable to go for Shabbat the following evening.

The initiative kicked off with a Shabbat dinner hosted by Sherri and Jack Torjman. They made a delicious and beautifully prepared dinner. What was really special about the night was that, in addition to their friends, they hosted two young members of the Jewish community they had not previously met. One was a second year law student, the other a health sciences researcher who grew up in Ottawa but who has only recently become involved in the Jewish community.

For the law student, it was his first positive interaction with Ot-

tawa’s Jewish community. For the health sciences researcher, it was the first time she connected with more established members of our community in a relaxed setting.

More than a dozen people have already committed to hosting a Shabbat dinner in their home. However, to see this project create a lasting and meaningful change in our community, we need many more hosts and, more importantly, help to connect young Jews between 22 and 35 who are looking for a meaningful and intimate Jewish experience.

If you’re interested in becoming involved in the project, contact Samantha Banks, director of Initiatives for the Emerging Generation at 613-798-4696, ext. 270, or sbanks@jewishottawa.com or Yoni Levitan at yoni.levitan@gmail.com.

Let’s celebrate Shabbat together!

Advertorial

Jewish Heritage Tour among OK Cycle Tours’ expanded lineup for 2012 From a bird-watching bus tour in northeastern Poland and Belarus to a Jewish heritage bus tour of Eastern Europe, Manny Agulnik of OK Cycle Tours now has even more excellent adventures, some without a cycling component.

On the cycling side, he has made arrangements with Girolibero in Italy and France to provide self-guided Bike & Boat tours in Venice and Mantova, in Provence and Camargue, and a variety of Bike & Hotel tours in such beautiful destinations as Venice Lands, Pisa, Florence and the Loire Valley.

guides in Krakow, Auschwitz, Warsaw, Tykocin, Bialystok, Vilnius, Trakai, Kaunas, and Riga. Transportation is a comfortable bus or minibus for smaller groups.

Minimum number of participants is 10. The 2012 dates are open for discussion. Double room cost is $2,295 per person.

wine and cheese pairing. If people arrive on Friday, they will be able to ride for three days. This tour is limited to 28 people, and sold out in 2011. This is a great time to visit wineries, artisanal cheese factories and arts and craft places.” Also offered September 13th to 15th.

OK Tours is also still offering its own guided tours of Ottawa to Kennebunkport, Maine; Wine Country Tour of Prince Edward County, Ontario; Tri-Country Tour of France-Luxembourg-Germany, and leisure tours of Denmark and the Netherlands.

Last year, he added to the European guided Tours a Mosel River Vineyards and Castle Tour from Metz, France, along Luxembourg and downstream in Germany.

The Mosel River meets and flows into the Rhine at Koblenz. This year’s dates: July 12th to 20th.

There are hotel-based tours around Lake Garda, and around South Tyrol, and more challenging tours in Piedmont, Tuscany and Umbria, and many more locales.

Among the new European cycling tours is Lake Constance, the second largest freshwater lake in Europe, part of the Rhine River system.

A highlight of his lineup is a non-cycling nine-day guided Jewish Heritage Tour of Eastern Europe of Krakow, Auschwitz, Warsaw, Bialystok, Vilnius and Riga. Offered exclusively through OK Tours, it’s an unforgettable and unique visit to many important Jewish sites.

“Cycling around the lake, you pass through many mediaeval towns,” he says.

“This tour starts in Switzerland, goes through Germany and Austria before returning to Switzerland. There are some great wines from this area.”

The price includes eight nights’ accommodation in mid-range hotels in double/ single rooms with bathroom, and breakfast and dinner. There are professional tour

Also available are cycling tours from Berlin to Prague, or Berlin to Copenhagen, or a Bus/Bike tour from Moscow to St. Petersburg. He says that the tour operators he now works with operate in The Netherlands,

Lots to choose from: Manny Agulnik of OK Cycle Tours leads a small group guided cycle tour in Denmark, one of many cycling and non-cycling tours he (Photo: Lorne Rachlis) offers.

Germany, Poland, Hungary, Italy, Russia, Israel, Spain, and France ... “the list goes on.”

Among the 2012 OK Cycle Tours, again this year, is the Mother’s Day Weekend Picton B&B Weekend, May 11th to 13th. “This is a great opportunity to be at a special place to celebrate Mother’s Day, and still be home for Sunday dinner,” he says. “The weekend includes two nights in a Picton B & B with two breakfasts and two dinners, as well as a

The leisure guided small group Denmark Cycle Tour runs from July 20th to 27th. The Netherlands tour goes from July 27th to August 4th.

After offering bike tours on his own for many years, Manny is pleased to now be the representative for dozens of other fine tour companies of all kinds in Europe and beyond.

For more information, please e-mail Manny at magulnik@gmail.com or call and leave a message at 613-230-2100, ext 5209.

View the website at www.okcycletours.com.

– Louise Rachlis

January 23, 2012 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – Page 23

Page 24 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – January 23, 2012

Ottawa celebrates Chanukah

Police Headquarters (From left) Rabbi Chaim Mendelsohn, Mayor Jim Watson, Rabbi Reuven Bulka and Acting Police Chief Charles Bordeleau at the menorah lighting, December 22, at Ottawa Police Service Headquarters. The ceremony included musical presentations by students from the Ottawa Jewish Community School and Rambam Day School.

Torah High

Chabad of Centrepointe

Students lit the menorah, played dreidl, ate latkes and doughnuts and had a foosball competition, December 21, during the Torah High Chanukah celebration.

(More photos on pages 27, 28 and 29.)

Shauna Solomon, Steven Lazarovitz and their children, Matthew and Olivia, were among the 150 people attending the Chanukah menorah lighting and celebration, December 20, organized by Chabad of Centrepointe at Ben Franklin Place.

Advertorial

Start the new year with the power of yoga Yoga teacher Eric Peters, who is Yoga Ottawa was among the first Jewish, ends his classes at Jewish yoga practitioners to introduce venues with “Shalom, Shalom, peace corporate yoga in his own workplace. in our world and peace especially in Diagnosed in childhood with Israel.” scoliosis (curvature of the spine), he Peters teaches classes at the spent four of his adolescent years in Soloway JCC, Hillel Lodge and Barr- a back brace. His book, Out of the haven Yoga Studio at 250 Greenbank Cage, chronicles his personal journey through pain and mental anguish Road. before finding health through the There are many misconceptions practice of yoga. surrounding yoga, he says, such as, “Yoga is primarily for men, yoga reNow, as a full-time yoga teacher quires already established flexibility since 1998, he brings yoga in the and strength, yoga is slow moving, workplace to others as well. yoga is only about breathing, yoga is only about relaxation, yoga requires “Promoting wellness improves experience to maximize benefits …” profits as it pumps oxygen into your financial statement,” he says. “Yoga He has heard them all, and readi- builds muscle strength and joint ly refutes them. flexibility, improves balance and posture, all the while promoting a Back when he owned a manufac- calm, purposeful response to life’s turing company, Peters of Healing challenges.”

It has been documented that employees benefit, he says, from increased energy and emotional well-being, improved breathing and concentration, decreased anxiety, tension headaches, addictions and relief for physical challenges ranging from chronic pain, scoliosis, Eric Peters hopes, after a yoga arthritis and osteoporosis, weight issession, everyone will “leave feeling sues, carpel tunnel syndrome ... “and restored, renewed and rejuvenated.”

I could go on and on, but I don’t Give yourself the opportunity to want to come across as a snake oil begin experiencing the many benesalesman.” fits of healing yoga in your home, in No previous yoga experience is Eric Peters’ classes at the Soloway necessary for workplace yoga, and JCC or at Barrhaven Yoga Studio on participants go at their own pace and Greenbank near Hunt Club, or at your workplace. comfort level.

To see for yourself, there’s a link on his website to a YouTube video showing some exercises you can do at work. They are among 52 short videos he is creating to help many health conditions.

To purchase a gift certificate or to sign up for classes, please visit www.healingyogaottawa.com or call 613-791-YOGA (9642) for more information.

– Louise Rachlis

January 23, 2012 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – Page 25 In support of the Bess and Moe Greenberg Family Hillel Lodge In the Joseph and Inez Zelikovitz Long Term Care Centre Card Donations Card donations go a long way to improving the quality of life for our residents. Thank you for considering their needs and contributing to their well-being.

On behalf of the residents and their families, we extend sincere appreciation to the following individuals and families who made card donations to the Hillel Lodge Long-Term Care Foundation between December 1 and 30, 2011 inclusive.

HONOUR FUNDS Unlike a bequest or gift of life insurance, which are realized some time in the future, a named Honour Fund (i.e., endowment fund) is established during your lifetime.

By making a contribution of $1,000 or more, you can create a permanent remembrance for a loved one, honour a family member, declare what the Lodge has meant to you and/or support a cause that you believe in.

A Hillel Lodge Honour Fund is a permanent pool of capital that earns interest or income each year. This income then supports the priorities designated by you, the donor.

Ruth and Irving Aaron Family Fund In Memory of: Myrtle Borts by Ruth and Irving Aaron R’fuah Shlema: Sara Kerzner by Ruth and Irving Aaron Bill and Leona Adler Memorial Fund In Memory of: Sydney Bren by Marilyn Adler Eileen Goldberg by Marilyn Adler, Neil and Daniel Blacher; and by Elayne Adler, Farley, Jordan and Benjamin Stenzler Geety Freedman by Marilyn Adler Leja Arjan by Marilyn Adler Veronica Sela by Marilyn Adler In Honour of: Issie and Leah Scarowsky Mazal tov on the birth of your grandson by Marilyn Adler Susan Landau Chark and family Mazal tov on your daughter’s marriage by Marilyn Adler In Observance of the Yahrzeit of: Lillian Kimmel by Elayne Adler, Farley, Jordan and Benjamin Stenzler Auxiliary of Hillel Lodge Fund R’fuah Shlema: Leah Miller by Blanche and Joey Osterer Ken Miller by Blanche and Joey Osterer Elsie Baker Fund In Honour of: Malvina and Harold Greenspon by Polly, Jack and Sammy Moran

Fred and Esther Ballon Family Fund In Memory of: Betty Ballon by Lori and Shabetay Lazarovitz and family Jack Schnoor by Fred and Esther Ballon Arni May by Fred and Esther Ballon Boris and Dolly Blacher Family Fund In Memory of: Paul Faguy, Father of Anne Sherman by the Blacher family Jenny and Murray Citron Endowment Fund In Memory of: Eileen Goldberg by Murray Citron Fay Shulman by Murray Citron Geety Freedman by Murray Citron Sid and Barbara Cohen Family Fund In Memory of: Eileen Goldberg by Sid and Barbara Cohen Friedberg and Dale Families Fund In Honour of: Rabbi Chaim and Bassy Mendelsohn and family Mazal tov on the birth of your daughter by Elaine Friedberg, Bob and Jonathan Dale The Rotenberg and family Sharing your joy on the arrival of Simcha by Elaine Friedberg, Bob and Jonathan Dale In Memory of: Myrtle Borts by Elaine Friedberg, Bob and Jonathan Dale In observance of the Yahrzeit of: Sydney Friedberg by Elaine Friedberg Malcolm and Vera Glube Endowment Fund In Memory of: Irene Stein by Malcolm and Vera Glube In Honour of: Ed and Betty Rose Mazal tov on your daughter Dana’s engagement by Malcolm and Vera Glube Bill and Jane James Best wishes on your 50th anniversary by Malcolm and Vera Glube Roslyn Kimmel Best wishes on your special birthday by Malcolm and Vera Glube Nell Gluck Memorial Fund In Memory of: Myrtle Borts by Henry and Maureen Molot Eileen Goldberg by Henry and Maureen Molot Geety Freedman by the Molots in Canada, the US and Israel In Honour of: Eric and Claire Wilner Mazal tov on the birth of your granddaughter Noa Tili by Henry and Maureen Molot R’fuah Shlema: Rabbi Levy Teitlebaum by Henry and Maureen Molot

Evelyn and Irving Greenberg Fund In Memory of: Geety Freedman by Evelyn Greenberg and family Moe Greenberg and Elissa Greenberg Iny Fund In Memory of: Eileen Goldberg by Elissa and Avraham Iny Gunner Family Fund In Memory of: Geety Freedman by Sol and Estelle Gunner Arni May by Sol and Estelle Gunner R’fuah Shlema: Leah Miller by Sol and Estelle Gunner Frank and Lily Hoffenberg Family Fund In Memory of: Eileen Goldberg by Rose Ann and Ron Hoffenberg Nordau and Roslyn Kanigsberg Family Fund In Memory of: Harry Fleisher by Roz and Nordau Kanigsberg Dorothy and Maurie Karp Endowment Fund R’fuah Shlema: Irving Bercovitch by Dorothy Karp Leah Miller by Dorothy Karp Ken Miller by Dorothy Karp In Memory of: Eileen Goldberg by Ruth Karp and Arthur Max Morris and Lillian Kimmel Family Fund In Honour of: Debi Shore Happy birthday by Morris Kimmel R’fuah Shlema: Rabbi Levy Teitlebaum by the Kimmel, Kaiman and Levine Families Joan and Russell Kronick Family Fund In Memory of: Myrtle Borts by Joan and Russell Kronick Max Leiff Endowment Fund R’fuah Shlemah: Leah Miller by Dorothy Lieff Bill and Phyllis Leith Family Endowment Fund In Memory of: Fay Shulman by Arlene and Seymour Isenberg Sam and Dora Litwack Family Fund In Memory of: Arthur Kizell by Mark Litwack Chaim and Raja Miller Memorial Fund In Memory of: Arthur Kizell by Ted Miller Rosenthal Family Endowment Fund In Memory of: Myra Michalsky by the Rosenthal McCormack family Maurice Duret by the Rosenthal McCormack family Sam and Ruth Rothman Memorial Fund In Memory of: Jonathan Charbonneau by Susan and Stephen Rothman

Irma and Harold Sachs Family Fund In Memory of: Eileen Goldberg by Irma Sachs Arni May by Irma Sachs Geety Freedman by Irma Sachs Stephen and Debra Schneiderman Family Fund In Memory of: Irene Stein by Stephen and Debra Schneiderman Geety Freedman by Stephen and Debra Schneiderman R’fuah Shlema: Rabbi Levy Teitlebaum by Stephen and Debra Schneiderman In Honour of: Bunny Cogan Mazal tov on the birth of your greatgranddaughter by Stephen and Debra Schneiderman Mark and Heather Evenchick Mazal tov on the birth of your granddaughter by Stephen and Debra Schneiderman Sarah and Arnie Swedler Family Fund In Memory of: Eileen Goldberg by Arnie Swedler and Rhoda Zaitlin Fay Shulman by Arnie Swedler and Rhoda Zaitlin Aaron Silver by Arnie Swedler and Rhoda Zaitlin Arni May by Arnie Swedler and Rhoda Zaitlin Geety Freedman by Arnie Swedler and Rhoda Zaitlin In Honour of: Bill and Jane James Happy 50th anniversary by Lillian and Mark Zunder Roslyn and Myles Taller Family Endowment Fund In Memory of: Arni May by Roz and Myles Taller Louis and Diane Tannenbaum Family Fund In Honour of: Bernard Steinberg In honour of your 85th birthday

by The Honourable Mr. Justice Louis and Diane Tannenbaum In Memory of: Irving Halperin by The Honourable Mr. Justice Louis and Diane Tannenbaum Milton and Mary (Terry) Viner Family Fund In Observance of the Yahrzeit of: Freda Pearl Viner beloved mother by Mille Schaenfield and family Dave Viner beloved brother by Millie Schaenfield and family In Memory of: Cecelia Levitan by Millie Schaenfield Aaron Silver by Millie Schaenfield and family In Honour of: Antoinette Capelle Happy special birthday by Millie Schaenfield Eric Weiner and Arlene Godfrey Family Fund In Memory of: Irene Stein by Carol and Larry Gradus Eileen Goldberg by Arlene Godfrey, Eric, Melissa and Laura Weiner; and by Miriam Weiner Geety Freedman by Eric Weiner and Arlene Godfrey; by Miriam Weiner Esther Robinson by Miriam Weiner; by Carol and Larry Gradus (Continued on page 26)

THE LODGE EXPRESSES ITS SINCERE APPRECIATION FOR YOUR KIND SUPPORT AND APOLOGIZES FOR ANY ERRORS OR OMISSIONS. DUE TO SPACE LIMITATIONS, THE WORDING APPEARING IN THE BULLETIN IS NOT NECESSARILY THE WORDING WHICH APPEARED ON THE CARD. GIVING IS RECEIVING – ATTRACTIVE CARDS AVAILABLE FOR ALL OCCASIONS Here’s a good opportunity to recognize an event or convey the appropriate sentiment to someone important to you and at the same time support the Lodge. Card orders may be given to Bev at 613-728-3900, extension 111, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Thursday, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm Friday. You may also e-mail your orders to donations@hillel-ltc.com. E-mail orders must include name, address, postal code, and any message to person receiving the card; and, amount of donation, name, address and postal code of the person making the donation. Cards may be paid for by Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Cheque or Cash. Contributions are tax deductible.

Page 26 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – January 23, 2012

Dr. Jonathan and Janet Isserlin Mazal tov on the birth of your granddaughter by Golda and Ned Steinman and family Maidie and Bert Schwartz Happy 63rd anniversary by Barbara and Larry Hershorn Izzie Farber With sincere appreciation by Rose and Morrie Konick

(Continued from page 25)

Toby and Joel Yan Family Fund In Honour of: Etta Kaner and David Nitkin Happy Chanukah with love by Toby and Joel Yan Norman Yan and Sandy Yudin Happy Chanukah with love by Toby and Joel Yan Toby and Joel Yan Happy Chanukah by Ruth Kahane Goldberg and Harvey Goldberg Carole and Norman Zagerman Family Fund In Memory of: Morris Krantzberg by Carole and Norman Zagerman Alvin Mallay by Carole and Norman Zagerman Eileen Goldberg by Carole and Norman Zagerman Fay Shulman by Carole and Norman Zagerman ************* Capital Campaign Fund In Honour of: Ingrid Levitz With sincere thanks and with love by Carol Gradus In Memory of: Eileen Goldberg by Seymour and Joy Mender Feeding Program In Memory of: Myrtle Borts by Mara and Isaac Muzikansky Bea Colbourne by Liz Petigorsky and Semyon Ioffe Eileen Goldberg by Carol and Larry Gradus Geety Freedman by Paula and Manny Agulnik; by Carol and Larry Gradus; by Lisa and Harold Sandell; by Stephen and Heidi Polowin Adina Shlein by Lisa and Harold Sandell Arthur Kizell by Lisa and Harold Sandell Leja Arjan by Lisa and Harold Sandell In Honour of: Dorothea Harris Happy belated birthday by Mariel Griffith R’fuah Shlema: Debi Shore by Lisa and Harold Sandell Father of Vince Piazza by Carol and Larry Gradus Recreation Fund In Memory of: Eileen Goldberg by Sally Matook, T.G., Myra and Birke Esther Robinson by Debi and David Shore Ritual Program R’fuah Shlema: Rabbi Levy Teitlebaum by Dale and Ruth Fyman Therapeutic Fund R’fuah Shlema: Rabbi Levy Teitlebaum by Joanna Abrams In Memory of: Uncle of Ashley McGee by Joanna Abrams ************* IN HONOUR OF: Morton Levitt In honour of your 90th birthday by The Levitts of Oakville, Mont Tremblant and Ottawa Elissa and Avraham Iny Mazal tov on the birth of your granddaughter with love by Monica and Alvin Stein Ed and Betty Rose Mazal tov on your daughter Dana’s engagement by Ingrid Levitz Bryna Gartenberg Mazal tov on the birth of your granddaughter by Carolyn Weiss Dr. and Mrs. William Steinman Mazal tov on the birth of your granddaughter by Carolyn Weiss E. Max and Rena Cohen Mazal tov on the birth of your grandson Ethan by Ingrid Levitz Jane and Bill James Mazal tov on your 50th wedding anniversary by Sandra and Norman Slover; by William and Marilyn Newman; by Marty and Rickie Saslove Irene and Ronnie Stoppelman Mazal tov on your 50th wedding anniversary by Monica and Alvin Stein Roslyn Rose Mazel tov on your 100th by Sid and Sandy Cratzberg.

IN MEMORY OF: Irene Stein by Ingrid Levitz; by the Residents, Board and Staff of Hillel Lodge; by Arlene and Norman Glube; by Sara Shabsove Adele Shlien by the Pascoe Family; by Irwin and Fenja Brodo Arthur Kizell by Wilson Leach; by Eleanor Gold; by Sally Matook; by Herb and Pam Beiles; by Ruth Epstein; by Cynthia and Herb Cowan Myrtle Borts by Ingrid Levitz; by Annette and Jack Edelson; by Sylvia Monson; by Etta Karp Helen Trachtenberg by Sally Matook Sydney Bren by the Residents, Board and Staff of Hillel Lodge Tom and Shoshana Sharkey by Irwin and Fenja Brodo Cecelia Levitan by Barry, Ethlyn and Sarah Agulnik Warren Mason by Barry, Ethlyn and Sarah Agulnik Bea Greenberg by Monica and Alvin Stein Mother of James Ursel by Bev and Bryan Glube Eileen Goldberg by the Residents, Board and Staff of Hillel Lodge; by Glenda Blacker; by Ingrid Levitz; by Sandra and Norman Slover; by Yehuda and Yvonne Azuelos; by Jean Naemark; by Mitchell Bellman and Nicola Hamer; by David and Judith Kalin; by Lily Feig; by Richard Addleman; by Jerry and Lily Penso; by Max and Ellie Greenberg; by Randi, Ian, Jonathan, Matthew and Adam Sherman; by Elaine and Daniel Shapiro; by Sylvia Monson; by Beverly Friedman; by Sara Shabsove; by Sol and Sybil Goldmaker; by Steve and Millie Mirsky; by Sally Taller; by Bea Torontow; by Shirley and Shier Berman and family; by Laurie and Carol Pascoe; by Sam and Sandra Zunder and the Zunder family; by Ethel and David Malek; by Zelaine and Sol Shinder; by Bea (Shinder) and Murray Garceau; by Morton, Sylvia and Harris Pleet; Fern Hershfield; by Mort and Fran Ross; by Sally Taller; by Delores Laurendeau and family; by Bill and Randi Poole; by Myra and Maurice Borts; by Sandy Bregman; by Carol Steinberg; by Anne and Ken Mozersky; by Annette Albert and Lew Perelmutter Fay Shulman by Jean Naemark; by Sylvia Bronsther; by Sol and Sybil Goldmaker; by Etta Karp; by Anna Bilsky; by Sheila Beck; by Stella and Norman Beck; by Claire and Irving Bercovitch Annetta Leighton by Lily Feig Myrtle Borts by Lily Feig Leja Arjan by the Residents, Board and Staff of Hillel Lodge Geety Freedman by the Residents, Board and Staff of Hillel Lodge; by Carol and Laurie Pascoe; by Steven Polisuk and Liana Lowenstein; by Herb and Geetie Brown; by Barbara Schulman; by Judith and David Kalin;

by Ingrid Levitz; by Sandra and Sam Zunder and family; by Barbara and Larry Hershorn; by Barbara Taylor; by Anna Bilsky; by Golda Feig and Ned Steinman; by Miriam Bloom; by Jill and Allan Bellack; by Bill and Ellie Siekierski; by Liney and Dodo Bronstein; by Monica Rosenthal, Perry and Devon; by Barbara, Howard, Erica and Lorne Geller; by Cayla, Harold, Aaron and Sara Biderman; by David Nozick;by Sharon and Carey Stevens;

by Linda Russell; by Lily Feig; by Lou Goldmaker and family; by Myrna, Ruth Lynne and Francene Budovitch; by Michael and Deena Sigel; Arthur Max and Ruth Karp Steve Gossen by Shirley and Norman Levitt; Arni May by Ingrid Levitz; by Danny, Rhonda, Sam, Zach and Shelby Levine; by Claire and Irving Bercovitch; by Sandra and Sam Zunder and family Veronica Sela by the Residents, Board and Staff of Hillel Lodge Aaron Silver by Carol Steinberg Dorothy Sharpransky by Arlene Goodman R’FUAH SHLEMA: Leah and Ken Miller by Rickie and Marty Saslove; by Marion Silver and Alan Brass and family; by Ingrid Levitz; by Bert and Sophie Koenig;

by Bernie and Leona Ship Rabbi Levy Teitlebaum by Yehuda and Yvonne Azuelos; by the Residents, Board and Staff of Hillel Lodge; by Danny and Rhonda Levine;

by Peter and Minda Wershof Debi Shore by Sandra and Sam Zunder and family; by Lily Feig IN OBSERVANCE OF THE YAHRZEIT OF: Dan Landen beloved husband by Edith Landen Our beloved Uncle Shmiloo. Yehi zichro baruch by Golda, Ned, Noam, Adina and Yona Steinman

The Board, Residents and Staff mourn the passing of Dan Doctor, a past-President of the Lodge.

Our deepest sympathy to his family.

Rabbi Reuven Bulka

Sabina Wasserlauf

Couple relationship enhancement evening at Machzikei Hadas

By Donna Klaiman for Congregation Machzikei Hadas The Soloway Jewish Community Centre and Congregation Machzikei Hadas are co-sponsoring Embracing Imperfection, an evening of presentations and discussion on relationship enhancement for couples, with Rabbi Reuven Bulka and social worker and marriage therapist Sabina Wasserlauf.

To be successful, enhancing and strengthening the quality of couple relationships requires ongoing nurturing. The evening will address some of the key ingredients for developing and maintaining positive relationships between the partners. Jewish values and traditions provide a strong context to this enlightening experience.

The event will take place Saturday, January 28, 7:30 pm, at Congregation Machzikei Hadas, 2310 Virginia Drive. Coffee and dessert

will be served at 7:30 pm and the program will begin at 8:00. The cost is $10 per person.

All are welcome. To reserve your place, contact Congregation Machzikei Hadas at 613-521-9700 or machzikei@magma.com.

ROOMATE WANTED Quiet, clean, mature male roommate wanted for shared apartment or house rental in Ottawa starting in late January/ early February 2012.

Preferably post-graduate student or young professional.

No smoking, no pets.

Please call Jordan at 416-931-7466.

GRAND OPENING Saturday, February 25 1809 Carling Avenue Paninis, Sandwiches, Salads, Soups & More Always Fresh, Local & Delicious Selection of Retail Gluten Free, Kosher & Organic Products 613-695-6001 Catering Available 1lazypickle@gmail.com

January 23, 2012 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – Page 27

Ottawa celebrates Chanukah

Hadassah-WIZO at Chanukah Gift Fair

Chabad Student Network at City Hall

Ottawa Hadassah-WIZO (OHW) participated in the Chanukah Gift Fair, December 11, at the Soloway Jewish Community Centre. (From left) Doris Rauch, Frieda Chodos and Marilyn Schwartz at the OHW table.

Student Gabe Lewis, vice-president of Chabad Student Network, lights the Chanukah menorah, December 20, at Ottawa City Hall as Mayor Jim Watson and Rabbi Chaim Boyarsky look on.

Ottawa Modern Jewish School

Merivale High School

Six Hillel Lodge residents joined the students of Ottawa Modern Jewish School, December 18, for a Chanukah celebration at the Soloway Jewish Community Centre.

Andrew Pye lights the menorah at Merivale High School’s annual Chanukah party, December 15.

(Photo: Irv Osterer)

Scotiabank Place Ottawa Senators mascot Spartacat helps Rabbi Menachem Blum during the menorah lighting organized by Ottawa Torah Centre Chabad, December 21, at Scotiabank Place during the Sens vs.

Buffalo Sabres game. Spartacat also distributed Chanukah gelt to the children.

Ottawa Torah Centre at Bayshore Hundreds attend the menorah lighting, December 22, organized by Ottawa Torah Centre Chabad at the Bayshore Shopping Centre.

Page 28 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – January 23, 2012

Ottawa celebrates Chanukah

Temple Israel

Tamir

David Khazzam was one of 30 participants in the Chanukiah Contest, December 18, at Temple Israel. David’s Chanukiah was made of pottery shards he and his family uncovered on a dig in Israel.

(From left) Danielle Dugas, Jay Greenblatt, Tamir President Christine Kessler, Lee Waxman and Cantor Daniel Benlolo light the menorah at Tamir’s annual Chanukah party, December 20, at Agudath Israel Congregation.

AJA 50+

Talmud Torah Afternoon School Morah Miriam Friedman with her kindergarten students dressed up as Chanukah candles at the Talmud Torah Afternoon School Chanukah Carnival, December 18.

Pearl Greenberg lights the menorah, December 21, at the AJA 50+ Chanukah party as daughter Jan Jones looks on. Pearl was celebrating her 92nd birthday.

(Photo: Annette Paquin)

Bagel Babies

Parliament Hill

Devora Caytak reads Sammy Spider’s First Chanukah to children at the Bagel Babies Chanukah celebration. Bagel Babies is a Sunday morning program for young children at the Westboro Jewish Montessori Preschool.

The Canadian Federation of Chabad Lubavitch hosted a pre-Chanukah menorah lighting ceremony on Parliament Hill attended by nearly 100 MPs and senators. (From left) Opposition Leader Nycole Turmel, Rabbi Chaim Mendelsohn, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney, MP Irwin Cotler and Environment Minister Peter Kent.

January 23, 2012 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – Page 29

Ottawa celebrates Chanukah Young Israel A group of Grade 1-4 students from Torah Academy of Ottawa, Rambam Day School and the Ottawa Jewish Community School gathered, December 4, at Young Israel of Ottawa Synagogue for a program that included singing Chanukah songs, reading Chanukah stories and making Chanukah crafts.

Glebe Shul (From left) Jonathan Holleman, Devora Shapiro, Rabbi Michael Goldstein and Orli Joseph at the Glebe Shul Chanukah House Party, December 20.

Jewish Teen Zone Hillel Lodge The Tamir Neshama Choir and the Beth Shalom Choir combined to perform Chanukah songs for the residents of Hillel Lodge, December 11.

A group from Ottawa’s Jewish Teen Zone travelled to Montreal, December 22, for a teen Chanukah party at the Chai Centre of Montreal. Among the group were (from left) Avery Horovitz, Shlomo Coodin, Josh Gordon and Hartley Melamed.

Sir Robert Borden High School

Ottawa Jewish Community School

Students at Sir Robert Borden High School’s Jewish Culture Club celebrated Chanukah with a giant menorah they designed.

New families at the Ottawa Jewish Community School join Rabbi Howard Finkelstein at the school menorah lighting, December 21.

Page 30 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – January 23, 2012

In search of a great pareve dessert People often assume, because I write a food column in the Ottawa Jewish Bulletin, that I must be capable of creating some delicious pareve desserts.

People are wrong!

I am so firmly committed to butter that the idea of great pareve desserts seems like an oxymoron to me. If a dessert is pareve, then how could it possibly be great?

I have tried substituting margarine, shortening and even Earth Balance for butter, in some of my favourite recipes and I am always left disappointed. Until now, if I had to make a pareve dessert, I have stuck with things like meringues, dark chocolate bark with almonds and dried cherries or mandelbrot, items that typically do not depend on butter for flavour.

The pareve chocolate cake from Norene Gilletz’s Pleasures of Your Food Processor cookbook is quite good and very moist, owing to the use of oil, instead of butter. Carrot cakes also call for oil, instead of butter and the cakes themselves turn out great.

The problem for me arises when I attempt to make a frosting without butter. Margarine or other butter substitutes leave a very strange aftertaste.

On December 21, the Gourmet Live (live.gourmet.com) blog featured a chocolate cake for Chanukah celebrations.

As I looked the recipe over, I noticed an unusual, well, unusual for chocolate cake, ingredient.

The cake ingredient list included the typical line-up of all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, baking powder and soda, vanilla extract and coconut milk.

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To advertise call Cindy Manor-Kennedy 613-798-4696, ext. 256 Mail to: Ottawa Jewish Bulletin, 21 Nadolny Sachs Private, Ottawa, Ontario K2A 2R9 Fax: 613-798-4730 Email: cmanor@ottawajewishbulletin.com

Mazal Tov • Mazal Tov • Mazal Tov • Mazal Tov • Mazal Tov • Mazal Tov • Mazal Tov • Mazal Tov • Mazal Tov

Mazal Tov • Mazal Tov • Mazal Tov • Mazal Tov • Mazal Tov • Mazal Tov • Mazal Tov • Mazal Tov • Mazal Tov

• Mazal Tov • Mazal Tov • Mazal Tov • Mazal Tov • Mazal Tov •

Coconut milk? As I thought about it further, it began to make sense. Coconut milk is high in fat, so it makes sense that it could help keep the cake moist.

The frosting for this cake is in the ganache style. Typically, a ganache is made from melted chocolate and cream.

In this recipe coconut milk acts as a stand-in for the cream, providing the necessary richness without an overwhelming coconut flavour.

The frosting ingredient list also included chocolate chips, instant espresso powder, vanilla extract and light corn syrup.

Permit me to rant just a bit about using chocolate chips.

If you take away anything from this column, let it be this tidbit: Do not use chocolate chips! Buy good quality bittersweet chocolate – at least 60 per cent cocoa – and chop it up to melt for the frosting.

Chocolate chips have less cocoa butter (i.e., fat) than bar chocolate to ensure they maintain their shape when baked.

A frosting made with chocolate chips will be slightly grainy, overly thick, and viscous in texture, while frosting made with the good quality bar chocolate will be light and silky.

The instant espresso powder really highlights the depth of chocolate flavour while helping to keep the frosting from

Made with Love Cindy Feingold seeming too cloyingly sweet.

I had my doubts, but, ever the good researcher, I set to work making the cake. The ganache frosting was fantastic!

It was luscious and rich with a deep chocolate flavour, but not cloyingly sweet. The cake was moist and tasted wonderful, but it had a strange crumbly texture.

So I have created a hybrid pareve chocolate cake for you. I am using Norene Gilletz’s pareve chocolate cake recipe, one of the moistest and best I have ever had, combining it with the Gourmet Live ganache recipe. I have slightly changed Norene’s cake recipe by adding coconut milk instead of the water or orange juice she calls for, as I really like the richness and extra moisture you get from the coconut milk.

Pareve Double Deep Chocolate Layer Cake Although the cake and frosting both use coconut milk, the finished cake does not have a coconut flavour at all.

The instant espresso powder called for in both the cake and the frosting is easily available at Italian grocery stores. Regular instant coffee can be used instead, but you will not get the same depth of flavour.

Serves 10-12 You will need two 9-inch round cake pans, at least 2 inches deep.

For cake: 2/3 cup cocoa powder (not Dutch process) 2 1/4 cups flour 2 cups sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda 3/4 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 teaspoons instant espresso powder 1 1/2 cups well stirred canned unsweetened coconut milk (not light) 3 eggs 1 1/4 cups canola oil For frosting: 1 1/2 cups well stirred canned unsweetened coconut milk (not light) 24 ounces (4 cups) finely chopped bittersweet chocolate (at least 60 per cent cocoa) 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder 1 1/2 tablespoons light corn syrup1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Make Cake: Preheat oven to 350 F with rack in middle. Grease cake pans lightly with vegetable oil and line bottoms with rounds of parchment paper. Dust only the

sides of pans with cocoa powder, knocking out excess.

Combine all the dry ingredients in food processor bowl, with the stainless steel knife in place. Process until blended, about 10 seconds. Add coconut milk and eggs.

Start processor and add oil through feed tube while machine is running. Process batter for 45 seconds. Do not insert pusher in feed tube and do not over process.

Divide batter between pans, and bake until a tester comes out clean and layers just begin to pull away from side of pans, 25 to 30 minutes.

Cool cake layers in pans on a rack 30 minutes, then run a thin knife around edge of pans and invert cakes onto rack. Remove parchment and cool completely.

Make Frosting: Combine coconut milk, finely chopped chocolate and espresso powder in a heat-proof bowl. Set bowl over a pan of barely simmering water, and heat, whisking occasionally, until chocolate is melted and smooth.

Remove bowl from pan and whisk in corn syrup and vanilla.

Chill frosting in fridge, stirring every 30 minutes until slightly thickened and spreadable, about 60 minutes.

Assemble Cake: Spread frosting generously between cake layers and over top and sides.

Notes: If by chance the chocolate frosting chills for too long and becomes too thick to work with, melt it again over a pan of barely simmering water, then chill for less time.

Cake layers improve in flavour if made ahead. Keep chilled between layers of parchment and tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, one day, or freeze one week. Frost while layers are still cold, or thaw slightly if frozen.

Frosted cake can be made one day ahead and kept covered and chilled. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Leftovers keep – if you are lucky enough to have any – covered and chilled, for several days.

• Mazal Tov • Mazal Tov • Mazal Tov • Mazal Tov • Mazal Tov •

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January 23, 2012 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – Page 31

FOUNDATION DONATIONS Our future is in your hands

The Board of Directors of the Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation acknowledges with thanks contributions to the following funds as of January 3rd, 2011.

Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation

ABELSON FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Fay Shulman by Tracey Kronick and Alan Abelson.

Mazal Tov to: Bill and Jane James by Tracey Kronick and Alan Abelson.

To make a donation and/or send a tribute card, call Sarah Brantz (613-798-4696 ext. 274) e-mail: donation@ojcf.ca • website: www.OJCF.ca

Join us in building our community by supporting these local agencies SHIRLEY AND SHIER BERMAN FUND FOR OTTAWA JEWISH ARCHIVES In memory of: Fay Shulman by Shirley and Shier Berman.

HILLEL ACADEMY ENDOWMENT FUND Continued good health to: Ken and Leah Miller by the Administration, Board and Staff of the Ottawa Jewish Day School.

Happy and healthy Chanukah to: Sam and Rene Geist by Michael Geist and Allison Geffen and family.

The Geist Family by Michael Geist and Allison Geffen and family.

Birthday wishes to: Kyle Taylor by Charlie Kujavsky and Keren Reiser and by the Moore Family.

Speedy Recovery to: Muriel Kardish by Sid and Cally Kardash.

Anniversary wishes to: Bill and Jane James by Bill and Flora Silverman.

In appreciation to: The grade 2 teachers at the Ottawa Jewish Community School by Sascha Moore and Ryan Malek and families.

The Grade 4 teachers the Ottawa Jewish Community School by Evan Moore and David Fogel and families.

The Grade 7 teachers at the Ottawa Jewish Community School by Noah Malek, Jonah Moore, and Daniel Fogel and families.

HILLEL LODGE LEGACY FUND In memory of: Alvin Mallay by Barbara Taylor.

Eileen Goldberg by Michael, Jana and Adam Levitan and by Gita and Gerry Pearl.

Geety Freedman by Simone Brightstein; by Gita and Gerry Pearl; and by Diane Wexler and family.

OTTAWA JEWISH COMMUNITY ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Sarah Benedik-Lubitsch by Andrea Solman and family.

Happy and healthy Chanukah to: The Greenberg-Feingold Family by Sam and Bea Gordon.

SOLOWAY JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTRE ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Harvey Joseph by David, Jackie, Rachel and Zev Lyman.

SOLOWAY JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTRE YOUTH SERVICES FUND In memory of: Harvey Joseph by David, Jackie, Rachel and Zev Lyman.

AJA 50+ ENDOWMENT FUND AJA 50+ DAVID SMITH OTTAWA JEWISH COMMUNITY SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP FUND AKIVA EVENING HIGH SCHOOL ENDOWMENT FUND ADINA BEN PORAT MACHON SARAH TORAH EDUCATION FUND DORIS BRONSTEIN TALMUD TORAH AFTERNOON SCHOOL FUND BARRY FISHMAN OTTAWA JEWISH BULLETIN SCHOLARSHIP FUND MARTIN GLATT PARLIAMENT LODGE B’NAI BRITH PAST PRESIDENTS’ FUND MENDEL AND VALERIE GOOD HOLOCAUST CONTINUING EDUCATION FUND GREENBERG FAMILIES LIBRARY FUND HILLEL ACADEMY CHILDREN OF THE BOOK AWARD FUND JEWISH COMMUNITY CEMETERY HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL FUND JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES AGENCY FUND JEWISH MEN’S SOFTBALL LEAGUE FUND JEWISH STUDENTS ASSOCIATION HILLEL FUND JEWISH YOUTH LIBRARY OF OTTAWA ENDOWMENT FUND DAVID “THE BEAR” KARDASH CAMP B’NAI BRITH MEMORIAL FUND OTTAWA JEWISH CEMETERIES ZICHARON FUND OTTAWA JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY FUND OTTAWA LODGE B’NAI BRITH #885 PAST PRESIDENTS FUND OTTAWA LODGE B’NAI BRITH #885 PRESIDENTS SCHOLARSHIP FUND OTTAWA MODERN JEWISH SCHOOL FUND OTTAWA POST JEWISH WAR VETERANS FUND OTTAWA TORAH INSTITUTE TORAH EDUCATION FUND PINCHAS ZUKERMAN MUSIC EDUCATION FUND RAMBAM MAIMONIDES JEWISH CONTINUITY FUND SOLOWAY JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTRE EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION FUND SOLOWAY JEWISH COMMUNITY SUMMER CAMP SCHOLARSHIP FUND TORAH ACADEMY OF OTTAWA TORAH EDUCATION FUND SARA AND ZEEV VERED ISRAEL CULTURAL PROGRAM FUND YITZHAK RABIN HIGH SCHOOL FUND IN MEMORY OF EVA WINTHROP

ARNOLD AND BELLA ABRAHAMSON MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Geety Freedman by Mark and Ann Dover.

MARY AND ISRAEL (AL) ALLICE MEMORIAL FUND Anniversary wishes to: Bill and Jane James by Beverly and Irving Swedko.

In memory of: Geety Freedman by Beverly and Irving Swedko.

ALYCE AND ALLAN BAKER FAMILY FUND Mazal Tov to: Alyce and Allan Baker on the engagement of their daughter Lauren to Graham Topa by Rick and Helen Zipes.

CAYLA AND MICHAEL BAYLIN ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Eileen Goldberg by Cayla and Michael Baylin.

Geety Freedman by Cayla and Michael Baylin.

Anniversary wishes to: Bill and Jane James by Cayla and Michael Baylin.

JENNIE AND MORRIS BAYLIN MEMORIAL FUND In observance of the Yahrzeit of: Ben Baylin a beloved husband by Debbie Baylin.

IRVING AND ESTHER BELLMAN MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Dr. Sidney Katz by Seymour and Joyce Bellman.

Arni May by Mitchell Bellman and Nicola Hamer.

Gertrude Budovitch by Mitchell Bellman and Nicola Hamer.

JAMIE BEREZIN ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Geety Freedman by Shelley, Gary and Jamie Berezin and by Susan and Frank Danoff.

Fay Shulman by Shelley, Gary and Jamie Berezin.

Gertrude Budovitch by Susan and Frank Danoff.

Tami Berezin by Myrna, Ruth Lynne and Francene Budovitch.

ALEX AND MOLLIE BETCHERMAN MEMORIAL FUND In observance of the Yahrzeit of: Alex Betcherman, a beloved husband, father and grandfather by Joy Rosenstein.

In memory of: Nick Sta Maria by Joy Rosenstein, Bonnie Greenberg and Ronald Singer.

Speedy Recovery to: Linda Myers by Bonnie Greenberg.

MAX AND MARCIA BORDELAY MEMORIAL FUND In observance of the Yahrzeit of: Marcia Bordelay, beloved grandmother by Corinne Berman and family.

JACOB AARON AND ESTHER MALKA BRUNER MEMORIAL FUND In celebration of: The freedom and Gilad Shalit by Elly and Al Bruner and family.

GOLDIE AND MORRIS CANTOR ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Eileen Goldberg by Arthur and Gloria Solomon.

TILLIE AND HARRY CHERM MEMORIAL FUND Birthday wishes to: Sylvia Kaiman by Donald Cherm and Robert Lebans.

DAVID AND QUEENIE COHEN MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Myrtle Borts by David and Judith Kalin.

SANDI AND EDDY COOK ENDOWMENT FUND Anniversary wishes to: Sandi and Eddy Cook on their 25th anniversary by Gary and Sharon Steinberg and by Leo Cook.

In memory of: Geety Freedman by Sandi and Eddy Cook.

Condolences to: Sauli and Leili Danpour by Sandi and Eddy Cook.

Speedy Recovery to: Shirley Ivker by Sandi, Eddy and Samy Cook.

COOPERMAN-SHUSTER FAMILY FUND Condolences to: Charlotte Price by Earl and Bruria Cooperman.

DOLANSKY FAMILY FUND In memory of: Geety Freedman by Bernie and Donna Dolansky.

JOSEPH AND JEAN DOVER ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Irene Stein by Gerry and Madeleine Dover.

LOU EISENBERG CAMP B’NAI BRITH SCHOLARSHIP FUND In memory of: Lou Eisenberg by Jack and Sherri Torjman.

CYNTHIA AND ABE ENGEL ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Fay Shulman by Cynthia Engel and family.

Eileen Goldberg by Cynthia Engel.

ELLEN AND RAHAMIM FATHI ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Eileen Goldberg by Ellen and Ray Fathi and Michael Fathi and families.

Speedy recovery to: Marilyn Newman by Ellen and Ray Fathi.

JOSEPH AND HELEN FILLER ENDOWMENT FUND Birthday wishes to: Joseph Filler by Andre and Shelley Engel.

ABE AND SYLVIA FREEMAN FAMILY FUND Speedy recovery to: David Stolper by Norma, David, Harrison, Abigail and Sylvia Freeman.

ALFRED AND KAYSA FRIEDMAN ENDOWMENT FUND Anniversary wishes to: Gordon and Margo Roston by Alfred and Kaysa Friedman.

In memory of: Dr. William Schiff by Alfred and Kaysa Friedman.

FRAN AND SID GERSHBERG FAMILY FUND Speedy recovery to: Naomi Levinson by Fran and Sid Gershberg.

Birthday wishes to: Katie Blacker by Fran and Sid Gershberg.

GILBOA/MAOZ FAMILY FUND R’Fuah Sh’lemah to: Lewis Levy by Chaim and Helen Gilboa.

BILL AND BELLA GOLDBERG MEMORIAL FUND Mazal Tov to: Sandi and Eddy Cook on the birth of their grandson, Charlie Harrison by Sandy Goldberg and John Jussup.

Anniversary wishes to: Sandi and Eddy Cook on their 25th anniversary by Sandy Goldberg and John Jussup.

Continued on page 32

Page 32 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – January 23, 2012

FOUNDATION DONATIONS In memory of: Ida Kufsky by Sandy Goldberg and John Jussup.

HOWARD HERZL GOLDBERG MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Alvin Mallay by Shawn, Helene, Chaim and Aaron Goldberg.

Eileen Goldberg by Daniel and Marilyn Kimmel; Joe and Ibolya Wiesel and family; and by Rhoda and Eddy Weinberg.

IBOLYA AND HOWARD GOLDBERG FAMILY FUND Anniversary wishes to: Rhoda and Edward Weinberg by Joe and Ibolya Wiesel and family.

Birthday wishes to: Edward Weinberg by Joe and Ibolya Wiesel and family.

In memory of: Eileen Goldberg by Joe and Ibolya Wiesel and family.

BEATRICE AND SAMUEL GREENBERG FAMILY FUND In memory of: Beatrice Greenberg by Stephanie White; by Myrna, Ruth Lynne and Francene Budovtich; by David Nozick and by Steve and Millie Mirsky.

Cecile Phillips by Steve and Millie Mirsky.

LAURA AND MILTON GREENBERG FAMILY FOUNDATION In memory of: Laura Greenberg by Laura Greenberg and family.

MICHAEL GREENBERG MEMORIAL FUND Mazal Tov to: Leonard Shore and Jane Mirsky on the engagement of Amanda by Stephen, Jocelyne, Lee, Emma and Jessica Greenberg.

NATHAN AND SARAH GREENBERG MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Gertrude Budovitch by Evelyn Greenberg and family;

by Leonard and Rhonda Sheiner; by Janice Greenberg; by Judy Mendelsohn; by Helene, Norman and Jeffrey Braunstein; by Jonathan Pinsler and family; by Barbara Taylor and by Maureen Morganstein.

LARRY AND SHEILA HARTMAN ENDOWMENT FUND Mazal Tov to: Avraham and Elissa Iny on the birth of their new granddaughter, Tasha Rose by Larry and Sheila Hartman.

In memory of: Alfred Modansky by Larry and Sheila Hartman.

RHEA AND JEFF HOCHSTADTER FAMILY FUND Special birthday wishes to: Miriam Pleet by Rhea, Jeff, Elana and Lorne Hochstadter.

Blossom Read by Rhea, Jeff, Elana and Lorne Hochstadter.

In memory of: Lou Eisenberg by Rhea and Jeff Hochstadter.

Harry Fleisher by Rhea and Jeff Hochstadter.

Alvin Mallay by Rhea, Jeff, Elana and Lorne Hochstadter.

Condolences to: Bill and Joan Lopatin on the loss of their dear father by Rhea and Jeff Hochstadter.

CHERYL AND ANDRE IBGHY ENDOWMENT FUND Continued good health to: Irwin and Sarah Tauben and family by Cheryl and Andre Ibghy.

AVRAHAM AND ELISSA INY FAMILY FUND In memory of: Shirley Armel by Avraham and Elissa Iny. SAMUEL AND TILLIE KARDISH MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Warren Mason by David and Joy Kardish.

Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation

Legacy Challenge Fund Everyone has the ability to create a Jewish legacy The OJCF Legacy Challenge asks you to consider making a gift to the Foundation in your estate plans and wills. Leaving a gift in a will or as part of your estate plans helps ensure the vibrancy and long-term sustainability of our community for years to come, creating a lasting and personal legacy.

The OJCF Legacy Challenge is your chance to personally commit to the ongoing growth and vitality of our shared community. We hope you will accept this challenge.

What is the OJCF Legacy Challenge Fund?

If you decide to name the Ottawa Jewish Community Foun-

dation as recipient of a bequest through your will, the OJCF Legacy Challenge Fund will pay for the professional/ legal services to help create this bequest or codicil up to a maximum of $1,000.

Who is eligible?

All donors choosing to leave $10,000 (or more) or 1% (or more) of their estate to the Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation are eligible to participate in the OJCF Legacy Challenge.

For more information on how this challenge program works, please visit www.OJCF.ca or contact Jared Isaacson at 613-798-4696 extension 248 or email jisaacson@ojcf.ca.

HIRAM AND LILLIAN KATHNELSON FAMILY FUND In observance of the Yahrzeit of: Allan Solman, a loved husband, father and Zaidie by Andrea, Jamie, Danny, Susi, Xavier and Lucas Solman.

BENJAMIN AND LILLIAN KATZ MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Fay Shulman by Maureen and Jeff Katz.

ARTHUR AND SARAH KIMMEL MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Harry Barres by Arnold and Roslyn Kimmel.

Shirley Armel by Arnold and Roslyn Kimmel.

Fay Shulman by Norman and Isabel Lesh.

Special birthday wishes to: Arnold Kimmel by Stan, Ellen, Jordan and Kaylie Magidson.

PHILLIP AND ETTIE KIMMEL MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Martin Saslow by Milton and Joyce Kimmel.

SHARON KOFFMAN ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP FUND In memory of: Fay Shulman by Sandra Zagon.

KRANTZBERG KRANE FAMILY FUND In appreciation to: Jeff Greenberg by Sam and Myra Krane.

In memory of: Leon Gavendo by Sam and Myra Krane and family.

Mazal Tov to: Mrs. Gerry Krantzberg on the purchase of her new home

by Sam and Myra Krane and family.

SUSAN AND DAVID KRIGER ENDOWMENT FUND Condolences to: Andrew and Bruce MacFarlane on the loss of their mother by Susan and David Kriger.

Susan Robertson on the loss of her mother by Susan Kriger.

In observance of the Yahrzeit of: Diane Kriger, a beloved sister by Susan and David Kriger.

RIVA AND ABRAHAM KROLL MEMORIAL FUND Thinking of you to: Vicki and Earle Weiss by Yvonne and Harvey Lithwick and family.

ANNICE AND SYDNEY KRONICK FAMILY FUND In memory of: Pat Collins by Neil and Debi Zaret and family and by Richard Kronick and Alice Brodie and family.

Fay Shulman by Neil and Debi Zaret and family; by Sydney Kronick and Barbara Sugarman and by Richard Kronick and Alice Brodie and family.

ISSIE AND EDITH LANDAU ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Fay Shulman by Edie Landau.

Geety Freedman by Edie Landau.

NORMAN AND ISABEL LESH ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Arni Mayberger by Norman and Isabel Lesh.

RON AND RUTH LEVITAN ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Sid Roth by Ron and Ruth Levitan.

ARNOLD AND ROSE LITHWICK MEMORIAL FUND Mazal Tov to: Gila and Amiel Yannai on the good news about Yogev by Harvey and Yvonne Lithwick and family.

Birthday wishes to: Harold Fein by Yvonne and Harvey Lithwick.

Anniversary wishes to: Dorothy and Carman Bickerton by Harvey and Yvonne Lithwick.

Continued good health to: Dorothy Bickerton by Harvey and Yvonne Lithwick.

IRVING AND ELLEN LITHWICK ENDOWMENT FUND Anniversary wishes to: Earle and Vicki Weiss by Harvey and Yvonne Lithwick.

Thinking of you to: Vicki Lithwick by Harvey and Yvonne Lithwick.

SAMUEL AND LEEMA MAGIDSON ENDOWMENT FUND Special birthday wishes to: Roslyn Kimmel by Stan, Ellen, Jordan and Kaylie Magidson and by her friends from the Polo Club.

In memory of: Beatrice Goldberg by Roslyn and Arnie Kimmel and family.

Fay Shulman by Roslyn and Arnie Kimmel and family.

Eileen Goldberg by Roslyn and Arnie Kimmel and family.

ANNE (BLAIR) AND HYMAN MAYBERGER ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Arni Mayberger by Stephen and Sheila Senman and family.

CHUCK AND BONNIE MEROVITZ FAMILY FUND In memory of: Irene Stein by Chuck and Bonnie Merovitz.

Fay Shulman by Chuck and Bonnie Merovitz.

RHODA AND JEFFREY MILLER FAMILY FUND Mazal Tov to: Issie and Leah Scarowsky on the birth of their new grandson by Rhoda and Jeffrey Miller.

JACK AND HONEY MONSON ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Cecilia Levitan by David and Joy Kardish.

JEAN AND MAX NAEMARK ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Myrtle Borts by Jean Naemark and family.

Continued good health to: Evelyn Monson and Robert Elder by Jean Naemark and family.

In observance of the Yahrzeit of: Sam Naemark, a dear father-in-law and grandfather by Jean Naemark and family.

Max Naemark, a dear husband, father and grandfather

by Jean Naemark and family.

Mazal Tov to: Blanche and Joe Osterer on the birth of their new greatgranddaughter by Jean Naemark and family.

JOY OSTREGA MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Myrtle Borts by Ken Ostrega and family.

HARRY AND BERTHA PLEET MEMORIAL FUND Birthday wishes to: Sylvia Pleet by Pinchas and Barbara Pleet.

In memory of: Thomas and Shoshanah Sharkey by Pinchas and Barbara Pleet.

In observance of the Yahrzeit of: Harry Pleet, a beloved father by Pinchas and Barbara Pleet.

Bertha Pleet, a beloved mother by Pinchas and Barbara Pleet.

Yaacov Pleet, a beloved brother by Pinchas and Barbara Pleet.

NANCY AND LARRY PLEET ENDOWMENT FUND Birthday wishes to: Sylvia Pleet by Nancy Pleet and Evan Pleet.

In memory of: Tom and Shoshanah Sharkey by Nancy Pleet and Evan Pleet.

Continued on page 33

January 23, 2012 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – Page 33

FOUNDATION DONATIONS PHYLLIS AND ALAN RACKOW ENDOWMENT FUND R’Fuah Sh’lemah to: Marilyn Newman by Phyllis and Alan Rackow.

JACOB AND LEAH RIVERS MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Eileen Goldberg by Joe and Ibolya Wiesel and family.

ALTI AND BEREL RODAL FAMILY FUND Mazal Tov to: Ariel and Laurie Rodal-Spieler on the birth and bris of Leo Natan by Alti and Berel Rodal.

In memory of: Yisroel Zvi Gotlieb by Alti and Berel Rodal.

Rivka Yenta by Alti and Berel Rodal.

FLORENCE AND GDALYAH ROSENFELD ENDOWMENT FUND R’Fuah Sh’lemah to: Norman Potechin by Anita Rosenfeld.

FRANCES AND MORTON ROSS FAMLY FUND In memory of: Beatrice Greenberg by Fran and Morty Ross.

Geety Freedman by Fran and Morty Ross.

Mazal Tov to: Susan Pearl on being named Golf Quebec’s “Senior Woman Golfer of the Year” by Fran and Morty Ross.

SAMUEL AND RUTH ROTHMAN MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Irene Stein by Sheldon and Corinne Taylor.

Geety Freedman by Sheldon and Corinne Taylor.

SHELLEY AND SID ROTHMAN FAMILY FUND In memory of: Beatrice Greenberg by Shelley Rothman.

GABY SASSOON FUND FOR VICTIMS OF TERROR IN ISRAEL Mazal Tov to: Rony Podolsky on his appointment as Chief Development Officer with the Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation by Maureen and Jeff Katz.

In memory of: Eileen Goldberg by Maureen and Jeff Katz.

HAROLD SHAFFER MEMORIAL FUND In observance of the Yahrzeit of: Abraham Shaffer, a dear father by Sheldon and Sonia Shaffer.

SYLVIA AND HARRY SHERMAN MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Arni Mayberger by Jack and Julie Sherman.

FAY AND JOSEPH SHULMAN ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Fay Shulman by Shawn, Eda and Arin Kimmel; by Daniel and Marilyn Kimmel; by Henri and Yvette Dahan; by Ben and Lesley Slack; by Maurice and Sarah Rak; by Carl and Lorna Raskin; by Edward and Betty Rose and family; by Phil and Norma Lazear; by Elissa Iny; by Dawn Logan; by Milton and Joyce Kimmel; by Riana Levy; by Gail Lieff and

by Stanley Kimmel; by Sarah Kauffman; by Bernice and Bobby Feller and family; by Lee Bodnoff-Curry and by Chaim and Ilsa Shustik.

LORNE AND LAURIE SHUSTERMAN FAMILY FUND Birthday wishes to: Malcolm Rose by Lorne and Laurie Shusterman.

JACK AND SARAH SILVERSTEIN FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND Anniversary wishes to: Herb and Corinne Zagerman by Jack and Sarah Silverstein.

LINDA SILVERMAN MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Linda Silverman by Larry Payson.

STELLA AND LOUIS SLACK MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Shirley Armel by Lester and Myra Aronson.

Larry Smith by Lester, Myra, Jennifer, Donna, Greg and Jordan Aronson and by Paul and Bonnie Bowering.

Bob Kahn by Lester and Myra Aronson.

Best wishes to: Sol and Estelle Gunner on their new home by Lester and Myra Aronson.

MOSES, CHENYA AND HENRY TORONTOW MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Fay Shulman by Beatrice Torontow and Jerry and Cathie Torontow.

Birthday wishes to: Beatrice Torontow by Jean Naemark and family.

In observance of the Yahrzeit of: Moses Torontow, a dear father and grandfather by Jean Naemark and family.

SAM AND SUE SLACK ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Eileen Goldberg by Sue Slack and David and Sharon Appotive.

STEPHEN AND GAIL VICTOR ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Myrtle Borts by Sandy Marchello.

Eileen Goldberg by Sandy Marchello and by Stephen and Gail Victor.

Arni May by Stephen and Gail Victor.

Geety Freedman by Stephen and Gail Victor.

Beatrice Greenberg by Stephen and Gail Victor.

Ida Lesh by Stephen and Gail Victor.

Birthday Wishes to: Blema Woolf by Stephen and Gail Victor.

Mazal Tov to: Avraham and Elissa Iny on the safe arrival of their granddaughter Tasha Rose by Stephen and Gail Victor.

JACK AND LINDA SMITH ENDOWMENT FUND In observance of the Yahrzeit of: Inez Smith, a beloved mother by Leslie and Maureen Smith.

In Appreciation to: David Smith and Leiba Krantzberg by Louis Kardash.

GUSTAVE AND ESTHER SOLMAN ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Gustave Solman by Aileen Young and family.

LAURA AND GORDON SPERGEL ENDOWMENT FUND Anniversary wishes to: Laura and Gordon Spergel on their 63rd anniversary by Stan and Libby Katz.

DORIS AND RICHARD STERN FAMILY FUND In memory of: Harold Stone by Doris and Richard Stern.

Richard Pasternak by Doris and Richard Stern.

Birthday Wishes to: Richard Stern by Larry and Sheila Hartman and by Simmy Gardner.

PHYLLIS AND MAX STERNTHAL FAMILY FUND Condolences to: Richard Conway and family on their loss of a dear father

by Phyllis and Max Sternthal.

FREDA AND PHIL SWEDKO MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Fay Shulman by Irving and Beverly Sweko.

JAY B. TALLER MEMORIAL FUND Happy and healthy Chanukah to: Bernie and Beverly Zaifman and family by Sally Taller.

Alex Wakter and Lynda Taller-Wakter by Sally Taller.

Beth Roodman by Sally Taller.

SALLY AND MAX TALLER FAMILY FUND In memory of: Eileen Goldberg by Sally Taller.

Fay Shulman by Sally Taller.

CHARLES AND RAE TAVEL MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Carol Feldman by Lilyan Philipp.

Mazal Tov to: John and Sunny Tavel on the engagement of their son Ross by Larry and Sheila Hartman.

BRENT AND RISA TAYLOR ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Irene Stein by Brent, Risa and Shira Taylor.

BARBARA AND GERALD THAW ENDOWMENT FUND Birthday wishes to: Dorothy Nadolny by Barbara and Gerry Thaw.

LISE AND MARK THAW FAMILY FUND Anniversary wishes to: Gerald and Barbara Thaw on their 60th anniversary by Lise and Mark Thaw.

RUTH AND JOSEPH VINER ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Geety Freedman by Ruth and Joe Viner.

MIRIAM AND LOUIS WEINER ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Irene Stein by Miriam Weiner.

PINCHAS ZUKERMAN MUSICAL EDUCATION FUND Birthday wishes to: Myrna Barwin by Fran Pearl.

Anniversary wishes to: Norman and Myrna Barwin by Sidney and Sandra Barwin and family and by Peter and Merial Barwin.

THE WOMEN’S COLLECTIVE PHILANTHROPY PROGRAM Providing support for services and programs that directly benefit women and children.

WOMEN’S COLLECTIVE ENDOWMENT FUND Mazal Tov to: Bob Wener on being named Fellow of the Association of Chartered Accountants by Laurie and Carol Pascoe.

Dr. Janet Dollin on her outstanding teaching award by Lynne Oreck-Wener and Bob Wener.

THE SAUL AND EDNA GOLDFARB B’NAI MITZVAH PROGRAM RYAN JEREMY BAKER B’NAI MITZVAH FUND Condolences to: Paul Finn on the loss of his dear aunt by Steven and Benita Baker.

RYAN GOLDBERG B’NAI MITZVAH FUND Condolences to: The Bronstein Family on their great loss by Leonard and Mary Potechin.

In memory of: Eileen Goldberg by Leonard and Mary Potechin.

SAMUEL MORGAN B’NAI MITZVAH FUND Condolences to: Gita Baack on the loss of a dear mother by Sarah Beutel and Steven Morgan.

HALTON/WEISS FAMILY FUND In memory of: Hynda Banks by Debbie and Ron Weiss.

Raymond Lepine by Debbie and Ron Weiss.

IRVING AND DIANE WEXLER FAMILY FUND In memory of: Beatrice Greenberg by Irving and Diane Wexler and by Shirley Strean-Hartman.

SAM AND HELENE ZARET MEMORIAL FUND In memory of: Lou Eisenberg by Neil and Debi Zaret.

Speedy recovery to: Marilyn Newman by Mark and Simmy Zaret and Neil and Debi Zaret and families.

Condolences to: Robert Fonberg by Neil and Debi Zaret.

Birthday wishes to: Graciela Steinberg by Neil and Debi Zaret and family.

ZIPES KARANOFSKY FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND In memory of: Fay Shulman by Rick and Helen Zipes Mazal Tov to: Maxine and Arthur Rabinovitch on the birth of their newest grandson, Reilly Jared by Rick and Helen Zipes.

MICHAEL ROYTENBERG B’NAI MITZVAH FUND Mazal Tov to: Michael Roytenberg on becoming Bar Mitzvah by Abigail and Ariella Ruby and family.

DAHLIA AND ZACHARY SHABSOVE B’NAI MITZVAH FUND R’fuah Sh’lemah to: Leah Miller by Adrienne and Charles Shabsove.

BEN STEIN MITZVAH FUND Happy Chanukah to: Maya Stein by Gary Stein and Jackie Lyons.

Ben Stein by Gary Stein and Jackie Lyons.

ALAYNA AND BRYAN THAW MITZVAH FUND Anniversary wishes to: Gerald and Barbara Thaw on their 60th anniversary by Alayna and Bryan Thaw.

Contributions may be made online at www.OJCF.ca or by contacting Sarah Brantz at 613-798-4696 extension 274, Monday to Friday or by email at donation@ojcf.ca. Attractive cards are sent to convey the appropriate sentiments. All donations are acknowledged with a charitable receipt. We accept Visa, MasterCard and Amex.

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Page 34 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – January 23, 2012

An alternative to the traditional synagogue model Empowered Judaism: What Independent Minyanim Can Teach Us about Building Vibrant Jewish Communities

By Rabbi Elie Kaunfer Jewish Lights Publishing 160 pages In a story told about the Jews of Chelm, the shammes used to go around waking everyone up for shul in the morning.

Every time it snowed, the people would complain that, although the snow was beautiful, they could not see it in its pristine state because, by the time they got up in the morning, the shammes had already trekked through it. The townspeople decided they had to find a way to be awakened for shul without having the shammes make tracks in the snow.

The people of Chelm hit on a solution. They got four volunteers to carry the shammes around on a table when there was fresh snow in the morning. That way, the shammes could make his wake-up calls, but he would not leave tracks in the snow.

The tragic humour of this tale will bring a smile to anyone’s lips, but the joke is not as funny when we consider that this flawed logic is prevalent throughout the world of Jewish organizational life. In a time when the Jewish community is in crisis over declining synagogue membership and low communal affiliation, the tendency has been to search for the next big idea, that grand program that will dynamically re-engage young Jews and bring them back to the broader Jewish community. But, in developing that big idea, we need to ask if we

are so myopically focused on the goal of increasing affiliation and membership that we forget the bigger picture of why these organizations and synagogues exist in the first place. Have we become so focused on getting people in the door that we’ve neglected to provide them with substantive content once they walk through? And, if we don’t offer young Jews a product with any substance, will they stay, or will they walk right out?

According to Rabbi Elie Kaunfer in Empowered Judaism: What Independent Minyanim Can Teach Us about Building Vibrant Jewish Communities, many synagogues and communal organizations have lost their focus and are out of touch with the real needs of Jewish young adults.

Rabbi Kaunfer was a co-founder of Kehillat Hadar, the flagship independent minyan, a synagogue model characterized by being entirely lay-led and without any denominational affiliation (Rabbi Kaunfer was a lay-leader when Hadar was founded; the success of the minyan inspired him to enrol in the Jewish Theological Seminary). Most independent minyanim meet in the intimate environment of participants’ homes and apartments, and the structure of their services range from the fully egalitarian to the traditional-mechitza model. And to ensure the vibrancy of the services, the chazzan stands in the middle of the group and sings tunes designed to get the shulgoers to join in and create a chorus of voices.

Since Hadar was founded in 2001, the independent minyan movement has picked up tremendous steam. By 2007, when the S3K (Synagogue 3000) Synagogue Studies Institute pub-

Thoughts on how to master the probabilities of the universe I have a friend who considers himself quite knowledgeable about science and its practical implications. His name is not Jack, although I could call him that, and I am sure Jack would have no objection and would relish the chance to see his name in print. (Note from Jack: All publicity is good publicity!)

The other day, my friend sent me a note telling me everything that occurs in the universe happens at random and for every happening there is either a higher or lower probability of occurrence.

As he points out, the devil of it is that some things of lowprobability sometimes happen and some things of extremely high-probability don’t. So, how do we actually know?

For example, he notes the chances of his being born were extremely low as his father was shipped off to war immediately after the wedding and was promptly killed. As luck and random chance would have it, his mother was pregnant and he arrived in the world completely uncertain as to what would transpire.

This is chancy enough, but lately, with the news that scientists seemed to have created neutrinos that travel slightly faster than the speed of light, he has again begun to feel quite fragile.

Until just a little while ago, the probability of finding a neutrino that travelled that fast was next to zero. Yet it seems to have been found. Besides the implication that we have to rethink what Einstein came up with, there is the nagging little fact that something so improbable has actually occurred.

My friend wrote to me a while ago that the fact his identity was born into his body was completely random. There was something irksome about the statement and I wrote back that our selves are not interchangeable. His identity is his; if it were born into a different body, it would be a different identity. I noted his fingers wouldn’t suddenly appear on my hand. And, if they did, they would be my fingers.

Now that he has me thinking along these lines, I’m starting

Humour me, please Rubin Friedman to feel concerned. Since low-probability events can occur, isn’t it possible – just possible, not probable – his fingers might just suddenly appear on my hand? Would I or anyone else notice?

I have taken to checking the mirror every morning to make sure my face is still mine and my head is still on my shoulders.

While I know the probability is quite low that someone else’s reflection will greet me, can I totally exclude the possibility?

I have this sudden fear of walking down the street and suddenly being aware of having different body parts. And this might happen just because …

By that I mean the universe can often seem perverse and it can unfold as if to mess you up on purpose. If something is not very probable, that is precisely the thing that will occur. On purpose!

So, if you see me walking down the street avoiding cracks, you’ll know I am trying to avoid giving the universe any excuse for perversity.

My mother used to spit three times to ward off evil, but I think it was just a scientific device to prevent perverse lowprobability events from happening because, if you don’t take precautionary measures … Well, we all know Murphy’s Law. If you ever feel someone else’s head suddenly appearing on your shoulders, make sure to turn around three times and spit in the four basic directions. I do this and I haven’t changed heads, fingers or selves in years.

Book Review Rabbi Michael Goldstein lished their report on Emergent Jewish Communities and Their Participants, the movement had grown to include 80 independent minyanim with 15-20,000 participants across North America.

Rabbi Kaunfer argues that many Jewish communal organizations make the mistake of assuming “that Jews – especially young adults – are only interested in surface-level engagement with Jewish culture: jokes, bagels, singles events. Anything challenging, deep, or smacking of religion might scare people away. This is simply not the case.”

Rather, he writes, “Jews are in search of meaning and engagement, and they are interested in the wisdom of their own heritage. They may not find that engagement in existing institutions, but that does not mean they aren’t looking for it.”

He cites Birthright as an example of this phenomenon.

After returning home from a 10-day trip, Birthright alumni have been opened up to the possibility that there is real substance in Judaism. But, on returning home, instead of providing them with substantive options for Jewish learning and practice, the Jewish community provides funding for them to have pub nights, ski trips and, at best, a Shabbat dinner (with no traditional content necessary or encouraged). Going on Birthright has brought these young adults through the door, but, because their enthusiasm for deeper Jewish engagement has no substantial outlet, it eventually fades away.

According to Rabbi Kaunfer, an independent minyan is that outlet. It is a mechanism for creating community in a substantive way, with a focus on real Jewish practice, prayer and learning. It is getting Jewish young adults talking with their peers about Torah, the Jewish community, and how they can impact them both, and it is doing so over a glass of wine in the intimate environment of a friend’s apartment or condo party room. It is making community members active participants in Jewish life, instead of passive participants in the back of an auditorium.

What does this mean for the traditional synagogue? Does this trend spell the end for our beloved shuls?

Certainly not! Firstly, the people attending independent minyanim are not the same people attending traditional shuls.

Independent minyanim are not attracting participants from the pews of other shuls, but from the couches of the participants’ apartments. These people aren’t going anywhere else. Furthermore, a traditional shul offers many things, such as weekday davening, that are not offered by independent minyanim. But, says Rabbi Kaunfer, if our shuls are going to continue to thrive, they must learn lessons from the independent minyan movement and integrate those lessons into the way they operate.

First and foremost, they must make prayer more engaging.

Prayer is the bread and butter of a synagogue’s operation. If the best a shul can do is ask congregants to show up late and tough it out until kiddush, they are failing in their primary task. Nobody gets upset with an individual who is disinterested in going to the opera, so why are we upset with someone who is disinterested in attending a cantorial service? And can we blame someone for not wanting to pay $1,500 for a ticket to that service?

What independent minyanim have shown is that Judaism is as relevant now as it ever was. We don’t need gimmicks or freebies to get young adults to show up. We just need to present authentic Judaism in a way that is engaging, intimate and relevant. If we can do that, Judaism will sell itself.

Michael Goldstein is the rabbi of the Glebe Shul. While technically not an independent minyan (it has a rabbi, after all), the Glebe Shul does think independent minyanim are really nifty. Visit glebeshul.com for more information.

January 23, 2012 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – Page 35

Cultural differences between Israelis and Diaspora Jews Yaffa Yarkoni, one of Israel’s legendary singers, died on the first day of 2012 at the age of 86.

Yarkoni was known for entertaining IDF troops through the decades, singing such classics as “Finjan� and “Shoshana� and winning the 1998 Israel Prize for Hebrew song.

Known as the “songstress of the wars,� she rejected the label in recent years and became an outspoken critic of the occupation. But now, Israeli papers and politicians are reflecting on her marked cultural contribution to the country.

Clicking on some YouTube links, I realize that at least one of her recordings had formed part of the soundtrack to my summer camp mornings. As my fellow campers and I sleepily dressed and made our way toward the flagpole in the 1980s, her accordion-tinged songs would waft across the field.

But it wasn’t until I was spending an evening with my kibbutz family in the mid-1990s that I learned Yaffa Yarkoni’s name. That evening, I inquired who the Israeli singer on TV was. “Yaffa Damari,� replied Yonit, my kibbutz mom.

Immediately, she and her husband collapsed into peals of laughter. Yonit had made a hilarious verbal slip, combining Yaffa Yarkoni’s name with that of another famous Israeli singer, Shoshana Damari. Damari had long been Yarkoni’s “BFF and rival,� in the words of an Israeli friend of mine.

I recall that moment well, I think, even 15 years later, because their laughter had the quality that only longstanding intimate partners, schooled with the same cultural references, can share.

This past fall, the blogosphere was on fire with much agitation over an Israeli ad campaign. In a series of commercials aimed at Israelis living abroad, Israel’s Ministry of Immigrant Absorption was seeking to convince emigrants to return home. The commercials included American-raised grandchildren who know when it’s Christmas, but are barely aware of Chanukah; a boyfriend who doesn’t understand why Dafna, his Israeli girlfriend, is upset on Israel’s Yom Hazikaron (Memorial Day); and a dozing Israeli father who awakens only once he hears his son say “Abba� rather than “Daddy.�

The ad campaign fell on very critical ears, both in Israel

Mira Sucharov

Legendary Israeli singer Yaffa Yarkoni, seen here performing in Tel Aviv in 2002, died January 1, at age 86.

and among North American Jewish writers. But at least one prominent pair of commentaries revealed a crucial difference: Israelis tended to understand the ads as a critique of Israelis moving abroad, period. The Diaspora Jewish commentators, on the other hand, understood the partners of these fictional Israelis to be Jewish, suggesting that Jewish life in the Diaspora is somehow inadequate.

In the Hebrew edition of Ha’aretz (translation mine), Moran Sharir summed up the Yom Hazikaron commercial this way: “Convince your daughter to return home ‌ She’ll marry this goy, yet! The goy wants to commit indecent acts with your daughter on this sacred Memorial Day!â€?

In a November 30 blog post at theatlantic.com, Jeffrey Goldberg wrote that Dafna’s boyfriend, “to my expert Semitic eye, is meant to represent a typical young American

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Jew� and that “I don’t think I have ever seen a demonstration of Israeli contempt for American Jews as obvious as these ads.�

Soon after, Goldberg circulated a Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) memo stating, “We are strongly opposed to the messaging that American Jews do not understand Israel. We share the concerns many of you have expressed that this outrageous and insulting message could harm the Israel-Diaspora relationship.�

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu soon ordered the ads pulled.

I don’t disagree with Goldberg’s and JFNA’s annoyance.

But what’s missing from all this hand-wringing is the realization that countries do have unique cultures, and Israelis deserve to revel in theirs. If anything, perhaps this should serve as a wake-up call for Diaspora Jewish communities to become more knowledgeable in the cultural nuances of Israel.

How many North American Jews can speak Hebrew?

How many follow Israeli films, singers and plays, and find themselves humming Israeli folk songs?

I consider myself more versed than the average Canadian Jew on the Israeli cultural knowledge front. I can actually sing and understand the words to “Finjan.� But even I didn’t know Yaffa Yarkoni until the day I heard my kibbutz family talking about her. There is some legitimacy to the Israeli assumption that leaving Israel and raising a family elsewhere will result in cultural dilution. To ignore this fact is to assume the Diaspora Jewish life contains the same Israeli cultural texture. It simply doesn’t.

But this doesn’t mean we can’t try harder to link ourselves to life in Israel in meaningful, culturally nuanced ways. For my part, I shall pledge this year to make my way through an entire Israeli novel in Hebrew, no matter how taxing. I’m thinking Syed Kashua’s Second Person, a book I brought home with me on my last trip to Israel. What will you do?

Mira Sucharov, an associate professor of political science at Carleton University, blogs at Haaretz.com.

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Page 36 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – January 23, 2012

WHAT’S GOING ON January 23 to February 5, 2012 WEEKLY EVENTS MONDAYS Motorin Munchkins for children 5 and under, sponsored by the Family Life Centre. Children must be accompanied by an adult, 9:00 am to noon. Info: 613798-9818, ext.294.

TUESDAYS Mommy and Me Playgroup for babies and toddlers up to 3 years of age, Rambam Day School, 31 Nadolny Sachs Private, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Info: 613-806-7700.

Israeli Folk Dancing, no partner necessary, Ottawa Jewish Community School, 31 Nadolny Sachs Private, 7:00 pm. Info: judy@ottawaisraelidance.ca.

CANDLELIGHTING BEFORE Jan 27

✡

4:41 pm

Feb 3

✡

4:51 pm

WEDNESDAYS Playgroup for babies and toddlers, sponsored by the Family Life Centre. Children must be accompanied by an adult, 9:00 to 11:30 am. Info: 613-798-9818, ext 294.

FRIDAYS Shabbat Shalom for children 5 and under, sponsored by the Family Life Centre. Children must be accompanied by an adult, 9:30 to 11:00 am. Info: 613-798-9818, ext. 294.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25 Boomers and Beyond Luncheon & Lecture, sponsored by Jewish Family Services and Congregation Beit Tikvah. Topic: “A healthy liver is a happy liver,” by the Canadian Liver Foundation, 15 Chartwell Avenue, 12:00 pm.

Info: 613-723-1800.

MS St. Louis Commemorative Project Launch, sponsored by the Jewish Youth Library, a mosaic

mural and a children’s book in honour of the passengers on the doomed ship, created with funding from Citizenship and Immigration Canada. A survivor will be present, Ben Franklin Place, Council Chambers, 101 Centrepointe Drive, 7:00 pm. Space is limited. RSVP is encouraged: 613-729-1619.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28 Couple Relationship Enhancement, presented by Congregation Machzikei Hadas and the SJCC. A panel discussion with Rabbi Reuven Bulka and Sabina Wasserlauf, social worker and marriage therapist, 2310 Virginia Drive. Desserts at 7:30 pm, program at 8:00 pm. Info: 613521-9700.

Na’amat Ottawa Party and Fundraiser: annual winter party fosters friendships, while raising funds for women and children.

Enjoy great food and view assorted auction items. All welcome.

Nepean Sailing Club, 3259 Car-

For more community listings, visit ottawa.jewishottawa.com Select Calendar/Upcoming Events and Click to See More

ling Avenue, 8:00 pm. Info: 613225-2662.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 29 Ten-Yad Friend-Raising Gala to raise awareness of the organization and the services offered by Ten Yad. Sumptuous desserts, jazz concert, and featuring Ari Schonbrun, who survived 9/11 through selfless acts of kindness.

Museum of Aviation, 11 Aviation Parkway, 6:45 pm. Info: 613-6180485.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1 Tea and Torah, sponsored by Jewish Family Services. Join Rabbi Arnold Fine for a discussion of Jewish issues relating to the Torah, Rideau Gardens, 240 Friel Street, 1:30 pm. Info: 613722-2225, ext. 411.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4 Shabbat Shirah Concert featuring Musica Ebraica, with Iain MacPherson and Carol

Gurofsky. A portion of proceeds will support Hillel Ottawa for campus programs. Temple Israel, 1301 Prince of Wales Drive, 8:00 pm. Info: 613-761-6098.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5 Book Launch: A Quebec Jew: From Bloc Quebecois to Jewish Activist. Sponsored by

the SJCC, this event features Richard Marceau, who will recount his tenure in Parliament, his conversion to Judaism, his trip to Israel and the history of Quebec’s Jews. Marceau is general counsel and senior government adviser to the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs. Reception follows, 1:00 pm. Info: 613-798-9818, ext. 254.

COMING SOON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6 Annual OTI Jewish Ethics Lecture. The Ottawa Torah Institute High School and Machon Sarah High School for Girls presents: “Fair Competition: Are there Limits to Free Enterprise,”

by Dean Rabbi Eliezer Ben-Porat, 7:15 pm.

Info: 613-737-5006.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12 Mitzvah Day 2012, sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Ottawa. Spend the morning working on activities to improve life for vulnerable people in Ottawa and other areas of the world. Most activities take place in the SJCC, while some will be offered off site. Visit www.jewishottawa.com for list of mitzvot, 8:30 to 11:30 am.

Info: 613-798-4696, ext. 241.

Unless otherwise noted, activities take place at The Joseph and Rose Ages Family Building, 21 Nadolny Sachs Private.

This information is taken from the community calendar maintained by the Jewish Ottawa InfoCentre. Organizations which would like their events to be listed, no matter where they are to be held, should send the information to InfoCentre coordinator Benita Siemiatycki via e-mail at bsiemiatycki@jewishottawa.com or fax at 613-798-4695. She can also be reached by telephone at 613-798-4644. Accurate details must be provided and all events must be open to the Jewish public.

Condolences Condolences are extended to the families of: Charles Baker Chana Boguslovsky, Jerusalem (aunt to Debbie Ferkin and Barb, Joel and Murray Greenberg) Gertrude Budovitch Geety Freedman Eileen Goldberg Sylvia Goldin, Montreal (mother of Beverley Glube)

Joseph Lieff Arni May, Vancouver (sister of Shelley Schachnow) Zavie Miller (brother of Joyce Miller) Esther Robinson, Toronto (sister of Miriam Weiner) Veronice Sela Fay Shulman

May their memory be a blessing always.

The CONDOLENCE COLUMN is offered as a public service to the community.

There is no charge.

For a listing in this column, please call 613-798-4696, ext. 274.

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